1/2 cup creamed shortening
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of dark molasses
1 medium egg
2-1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger and ground cloves (each)
1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mix together the shortening, sugar, and molasses. Next, add egg and beat completely. Combine all dry ingredients and add to the creamed ingredients–using 1/2 cup increments. Beat well after each addition.
Refrigerate the dough until cold. Roll out until the dough is about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to form the figures. Place in a 350* oven and back for 10 – 12 minutes.
Yields about 3 – 4 dozen.