Preheat oven to 350°
Grease and flour an 8-inch square cake pan

1. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt together in a spacious bowl.
2. Add the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and pepper. Mix well.
3. Combine the sugars, eggs, and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth.
4. Pour the boiling water and molasses into a heat-resistant bowl and stir to combine.
5. Slowly pour the molasses water into the egg mixture and beat until smooth.
6. With the mixer on medium speed, add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in several additions. Beat thoroughly but not excessively between each addition.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and place on the middle rack of the pre-heated oven.
8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool to room temperature and dust with powdered sugar.