TOP PART:

Mix 3 cups flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup shortening. Take about 3/4 cup to a cup out for use later as crumbs. To the remaining mixture add 1 cup molasses, 1 cup hot water, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix all this together and put aside.

LOWER PART:

1 c. cold water
1 c. molasses
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 egg
1 tbsp. flour

Blend this part together thoroughly.

In several unbaked pie crusts (about three 9 inch) apportion the lower part mixture evenly among the pie crusts. Then do the same with the top part mixture. Lastly sprinkle the crumb mixture on the top of the pies. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes.