This is a simple and fun pie to make. I would use the mildest molasses available, but that is my particular taste as I find some to be a bit challenging.
Crumbs:
1 Cup Flour
1 Tablespoon Crisco
2/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
-Work together with pastry cutter until crumbly. Remove half and set aside.
Bottom of Pie:
-1 Egg slightly beaten
-1 Cup Molasses
-1 Cup boiling water
-1 Teaspoon baking soda
-1 Nine inch pie shell
Crust:
-3 Cups Flour
-1 Teaspoon Salt
-1 1/4 cup Crisco
-1 Egg, beaten
-1/3 cup cold water
-1 Tablespoon vinegar
Mix flour and salt. Cut in crisco. Combine egg, water and vinegar-stir into flour mixture and let stand before rolling out.
To half of crumb mixture add egg and molasses. Add 3/4 cup of the boiling water. Dissolve the soda in remaining 1/4 cup water and add last. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional 40-45 minutes.
Recipe from:
Amish and Mennonite Kitchens by,
Phyllis Pellman Good and Rachel Thomas Pellman 1984