Black Cake

2 cups sugar                           1 tsp mace

1/2 pound butter                     1 tsp cinnamon

5 eggs                                    1/2 nutmeg, ground

1/4 cup molasses                    1/4-1/2 cup brandy

2 cups sifted flour    1 pound raisins

1/2 tsp baking soda 2/3 pound currants

1 tsp cloves                            2/3 pound citron

Preheat oven to 225º F. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom of the oven.

Add sugar gradually to butter; blend until light and creamy. Add unbeaten eggs & molasses. Beat well. Resift flour with soda and spices. If you're using unsalted butter, add 1/2 tsp salt.

Beat sifted ingredients into mixture, alternately adding brandy. Stir in raisins, currants, and citron.

Pour batter into two loaf pans lined with waxed paper.

Bake at 225º F for 3 hours. Remove pan of water for last 1/2 hour. Let loaves cool before removing from pans. Remove paper and wrap in fresh paper.

Better? Now then, turn to page 38.