1/2 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1/2 c. melted butter
1 tbsp. vanilla
2 eggs

1 c. hot water

2 c. flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 tsp. ginger powder or 2 tbsp. fresh grated root
1/2 tsp. cloves

Combine wet ingredients.

Combine dry ingredients. Add dry mixture to wet alternately with hot water - 1/2 dry mixture, 1/2 cup water, the other half dry mixture, 1/2 cup water; blend. Bake at 350 degrees until toothpick tests clean, 30-60 minutes, depending on baking dish.

Optional: Add 1 cup carrot pulp from vegetable juicer to wet mixture, increase baking soda to 1 1/2 teaspoons.