1-First: preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and black pepper to combine the dry ingredients evenly.

2-Next: in a separate bowl, whisk the molasses and hot water until well blended. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar for about 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract.

3-Then: on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the molasses mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, stirring just until incorporated to keep the batter smooth and slightly thin. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

4-Bake: for 50 to 60 minutes, or 55 to 65 minutes for smaller pans, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let the loaf cool in the pan for one hour before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely, then whisk the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice for the optional icing and drizzle it over the top.