Carla usually picks this recipe, or Molasses Cake, for her holiday birthday cake.

• 1 ⅔ cups flour
• 1 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon ground mace (can substitute nutmeg)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup Brer Rabbit “full-flavored” molasses
• 1 egg
• ⅔ cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; butter a 9 x 13 baking pan. In large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt. Set aside. In mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Slowly add molasses. Add egg and beat for 30 seconds.

Add flour to the sugar mixture in thirds, alternating with boiling water. Mix for 30 seconds on medium speed after each addition of flour. Finally, beat for about 1 additional minute.

Pour into buttered baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool before cutting.