1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 c. shortening or oil
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. spice
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
5 c. flour

Mix sugar, molasses, shortening, and spices together. Dissolve baking soda in 1 cup of hot water then add to mixture. Sift in flour a small amount at a time, mixing well. Drop on a greased cookie sheet 1 teaspoon at a time. Bake at 350 degrees.