3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. dark molasses
1 egg
2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine butter with sugar. Pour in molasses and add egg. Add remaining ingredients except flour. Beat 30 seconds.

Stir in flour; beat 1 minute.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets and bake 10-12 minutes or until edges begin to brown lightly. Use a spatula to remove; cool and pack into airtight tins.

Submitted by: elena