by J Tomkins (Little Rock, AR)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup light or dark molasses
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup water
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Mix together eggs, shortening and molasses. Dissolve baking soda in water then stir into the molasses mixture. Stir in all remaining ingredients until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for approximately 3 to 4 hours. Flour a rolling area and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles or other shapes. Bake 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees F and cool on a wire rack.