ORIGINAL RECIPE FOR GINGERBREAD

I've made a receipt altogether my own,
And proud do I feel having done it,
As if I'd achieved in grandiloquent tone,
An Horatian ode or a sonnet,
Thus a cup and a half of milk thick and sour,
And in it with energy stirring,
Not a cup but two thirds molasses you pour,
And now there must be no demurring,
Add two level teaspoons of soda beside,
The flour must be stirred to perfection,
And into it here your own taste be the guide,
Put ginger in friendly connection,
With cinnamon nutmeg and cloves and also,
Of salt a soupçon for its savor,
And then into this the rich liquid must go,
With two beaten eggs that in flavor,
And freshness with all that's delicious agree,
Of butter in melted condition,
Just one half a cup and the substance should be,
Like cake of a wholesome nutrition,
Then I m sure you'll bow to the small boy who said,
"O this is just awfully good gingerbread!"

-- CH Thayer

Pictured: A botanical print of ginger.