1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves (or to taste)
pinch of ground allspice or mace (optional)
2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in 1 cup boiling water
2 1/2 cups flour
2 eggs, well beaten (before adding)

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Beat butter and sugar until light; gradually add molasses and remaining ingredients, adding separately beaten eggs last.

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.