preheat oven to 375*.in a mixing bowl, beat shortening with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.or until softened.

add the all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, molasses, the hot water, brown sugar, egg, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda and salt.

beat untl thoroughly combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed during mixing.

spread batter into a greased 13x9" baking pan.

bake about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean --

cool in pan on wire rack.

frost with maple frosting.cut into bars.

MAPLE FROSTING:.

in large mixing bowl, beat 1/3 cup softened butter until fluffy -- slowly add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating well.beat in 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 tsp maple extract -- gradually beat in 2 1/2 cups additional sifted powdered sugar.beat in a little additional milk, if needed.

to make a frosting of spreading consistency -- makes 1 3/4 cups of frosting --

TO STORE:.

cover bars and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months -- thaw, then frost.