Step 1

preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Step 2

grease well a metal loaf pan

Step 3

cream the butter with sugar until very light and fluffy (about 5 minutes)

Step 4

beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition

Step 5

add the milk and molasses

Step 6

whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices - and add to the wet ingredients

Step 7

mix until the ingredients are combined

Step 8

pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes (test for doneness at 50 minutes - a pick inserted into the center will come out clean)

Step 9

cool on pan 10 minutes, and then complete cooling on a rack before cutting