1 cup white sugar
2 tbsp. lard, butter or other shortening
1 egg
1/2 cup dark molasses
1/2 tsp. vanilla (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour (level)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch each of allspice, cloves or mace
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup hot water

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and dust lightly with flour; tap out excess.

Beat sugar with (butter, lard or shortening) until fluffy, add egg, molasses and vanilla (if desired) and beat until combined.

Combine flour and salt with spices and mix. Beat into sugar mixture; mix for 30 seconds. Stir baking soda into hot water and beat 30 seconds.

Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until it leaves the side of pan.