Broonie (Scotland)

1/2 cup medium oatmeal
2 heaping tablespoons butter
1 scant teaspoon baking powder
1 beaten egg
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons black treacle (molasses)
1 cup buttermilk, divided
1 heaping teaspoon ground ginger

Mix oatmeal and flour thoroughly in large bowl. Rub in butter. Add the sugar, salt, ginger and baking powder; mix well.

Melt treacle until warm. Stir in beaten egg and half the buttermilk. Stir mixture into flour, adding buttermilk gradually. Stop when mixture is soft enough to drop from a spoon. Amply grease a tin about 8 x 4 inches. Add mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 1 1/4 hours or until well risen. Test to ensure it is cooked in center by inserting a thin skewer.

Let cool for a few minutes before removing from tin. Cool on a rack; leave overnight if possible to let it set.