Molasses Gingerbread
["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)"]
["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\u00b0 oven 25 to 30 minutes."]
["butter", "brown sugar", "molasses", "eggs", "baking soda", "water", "flour", "salt", "cinnamon", "ground ginger", "ground cloves", "raisins"]