• Heat oven to 350
• Pour the water and apple cider into a large glass measuring cup and heat in the microwave until hot.
  1/2 Cups Water, 1/4 Cup Apple Cider
• Dissolve the baking soda in the mixture.
  1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• Mix the shortening and sugar and then add the egg and mix until smooth.
  1/2 Cup Shortening, 1 Cup Sugar, 1 Egg
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and spices.
  2 Cups Flour, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger, 1/4 teaspoon Allspice
• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the soda water in a standing mixer. DO NOT OVERMIX.
• Add the vanilla and pour into a 9x13" baking pan that is coated with nonstick spray.
  1 teaspoon Vanilla
• Bake for 20-25 min or until springy.
• Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
• While still warm, top with frosting.

For the frosting

• Using a handheld mixer, mix the frosting ingredients until smooth and frost the cake.
  1/4 Cup Butter, 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla, 2 1/2-3 Cups Powdered Sugar, 1-2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons Maple Extract