4 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. mixed spices (salt, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, mace)
1/2 c. shortening (no butter)

SYRUP FILLING:

1 c. dark molasses
1 c. boiling water
1 level tsp. baking soda
3 eggs

Combine the crumb topping ingredients to form a crumb mixture for pie topping. Dissolve soda in boiling water; add molasses and eggs. Stir and let cool.

Have two 9 inch unbaked pie shells ready. Pour syrup filling in crusts, dividing portions equally. Sprinkle crumb topping over syrup mixture, dividing topping equally between the two shells. Leave a little "air" in the center of pies to prevent pies from boiling over. Bake 1 hour in 375 degree oven.