1 c. molasses
1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. sweet milk
3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped raisins
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 c. chopped walnuts, optional

Mix together molasses, butter and milk. Sift flour, soda and spices and mix with chopped raisins. Add to liquid (the molasses, butter and milk). Fold in chopped walnuts, if desired. Steam in large greased mold for 3 hours (mold 2/3 full, covered) OR in 3 greased 1 quart coffee cans filled 2/3 full and covered with foil and can cover. Put in kettle with water half way up on cans and steam on rack for 2 hours. Serve pudding with sauce.

SAUCE:

1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. flour
1 c. boiling water
3/4 c. sugar
Pinch of salt
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter. Stir in flour until mixture is smooth. Gradually add boiling water. Cook (boil) a few minutes, then add sugar, salt and beaten egg to hot mixture stirring rapidly to avoid lumps. Add vanilla last. Serve hot over pudding.