Step 1

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In a medium saucepan, combine half-and-half, molasses, butter, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil; remove from heat, and whisk in cornmeal.

Step 2

Pour mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish, and bake until pudding is firm but still jiggles slightly in the center when gently shaken, 2 to 21/2 hours. Let cool 30 to 60 minutes; serve warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.