Step 1
Cream together butter and brown sugar.
Step 2
Stir in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 3
Mix in flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.
Step 4
Stir in boiling water.
Step 5
Pour into 9x9" baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Top with whipped cream (if desired) and enjoy!