1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1 egg, beaten
1 c. molasses
1 c. hot water
1 1/2 c. raisins (optional)
2 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. powdered cloves
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream butter and sugar together, add beaten egg and the molasses. Then add dry ingredients sifted together. Add hot water and beat until smooth. Fold in raisins. Bake in well buttered gem pans (or in a loaf or cake pan) in a medium oven (350 degrees) until it tests done with a broom straw. This makes 24 gems.

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or maple cream.