1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) shallow baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter in the boiling water, stirring until fully melted and combined.
3. Stir in the molasses and the well-beaten egg until the mixture is uniform.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves (this is the 'mixed and sifted' step — sifting aerates the flour and evenly distributes the leavening and spices). Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until a smooth, pourable batter forms with no dry streaks.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, the top is set and springs back when lightly pressed, and the edges have begun to pull away from the sides of the pan.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Your family has recipes like this too.
The handwritten cards, the dishes only grandma remembers — save them before they fade. Free to start.