Sticky Gingerbread

This is a deep, dark, spicy gingerbread loaf that is easy to make. It has a robust, spicy flavor and goes well with a nice toffee sauce. 

Sticky Gingerbread
1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
1/4 cup granulated (white) sugar
1/2 teaspoon each: ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup cooking molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup hot water

Preheat oven to 325◦F. Grease or line a 9x5x2 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, measure the first eight ingredients. Add the baking soda to the water and stir until it foams, add to bowl. Beat all together well.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.