Kecap Manis (Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce)

2 cups packed dark brown sugar
2 cups water
3/4 cup non-sulfured molasses
1 1/2 cups dark Chinese soy sauce
1/2 tsp ground laos
1/2 tsp ground coriander
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine sugar and water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook until sugar is dissolved. Boil until mixture is the consistency of maple syrup. Over low heat stir in molasses, soy sauce, laos, coriander and pepper. Simmer over low heat 5 minutes. Strain and cool. Keeps, refrigerated, several months.