1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. molasses
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
3 c. flour
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. salt
2 beaten eggs
1 c. raisins (optional)

Cream brown sugar and shortening. Stir in molasses. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water. (Hold over bowl while doing so.) Sift together dry ingredients. Add to first mixture. Stir in eggs and raisins, if desired. Pour into greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done.

Laura often frosted this with chocolate frosting (unusual but very good).