BLACK BREAD:

1 egg
1 c. dark molasses
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. raisins
1 1/2 c. unbleached flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

SAUCE:

1 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter
1 egg
3/4 c. boiling water
Vanilla flavoring

Prepare three #2 cans by greasing well.

Bread: In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until thoroughly blended. Pour batter into cans, filling each to not more than 2/3 full. Place cans in a kettle of very hot water. Cover kettle and steam breads for about an hour. Let cool slightly when done, then unmold breads.

Sauce: Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Beat egg and add it to mix. Then slowly add boiling water, stirring constantly. Transfer to a warmed pitcher. Let guests ladle sauce over slices of the black bread.

Note: My grandmother and hers before her, always served this simple dessert at Christmas dinners. Beware; it's a very rich dessert!