baking powder and 1/2 tsp . salt for every cup of flour . Just measure the baking powder and the salt in the bottom of the measuring cup , and spoon flour over it until you get one cup . I served this with homemade apricot jam and bacon . I had butter on the table too , but the hoe cake was so good on its own ( because of all the shortening and oil ) that the butter was n't necessary .

Question: Why was the butter not necessary ?
Answer: Because the dish was served with homemade apricot jam and baconBecause the recipe includes baking powderBecause the hoe cake was so good on its ownBecause there is 1/2 tsp salt for every cup of flower