How To make Prune Armagnac Gingerbread Gourmet

unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup pitted prunes

chopped
1/2 cup Armagnac or cognac
1 tablespoon fresh ginger root :

minced
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening

room temperature
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar :

firmly packed
1 cup unsulfured molasses
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
4 large eggs

lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup crystallized ginger :

chopped
sliced kumquats as a garnish creme fraiche or sour cream
Preheat oven to 350