Molasses Gingerbread

Ingredients:
- 1/2 c. butter, softened
- 1 c. dark brown sugar
- 1 c. molasses
- 2 eggs, beaten lightly
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 c. hot water
- 3 c. flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 c. raisins (optional)

Directions:
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Blend in molasses until smooth.
- Stir in eggs and beat well.
- Dissolve the soda in cup of hot water and stir into molasses mixture.
- Sift together flour, salt and spices. Stir gradually into molasses mixture until well blended.
- Add raisins.
- Bake in greased 8 x 8-inch pan in 350° oven 25 to 30 minutes.