3 cups dried apples
2 cups molasses
2 medium eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour + more if needed
various spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, etc.)

1. Soak the dried apples in warm water over night. The next day, drain them through a sieve.

2. Chop the apples slightly, then simmer in the molasses for two hours.

3. After that, add the eggs, sugar, water, butter, baking soda, and enough flour to make a stiff batter. At this point, you may add any spices you desire (try not to go overboard) and/or raisins or currants.

4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F, or until knife inserted in the center comes out almost clean, with a few moist crumbs.