3/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Granulated sugar
In a large bowl, with electric mixer, cream shortening and brown sugar until fluffy; beat in egg and molasses.
In separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and spices. Beat about half of flour mixture into creamed mixture using medium speed; stir in remainder.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake in 375o F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until tops are cracked. Cool on wire rack.
Makes about 55 cookies.