CRUMB TOPPING:

1 cup flour
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup light brown sugar

Combine the flour, brown sugar, and shortening in a bowl. Cut with pastry blender or rub together until it forms fine crumbs. While preparing the liquid, put unbaked pie shell in preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

LIQUID BOTTOM:

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1 cup golden table molasses
1/4 teaspoon salt
whipped cream or ice cream (optional)

Dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water in a bowl. Add the Molasses and salt and stir to blend well. Pour the liquid mixture into the prebaked pie shell and add the topping mixture.

Bake in 400°F oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven to 350°F and bake 30 minutes longer until the center does not move when it is shaken.

Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Serving Size: 9