2/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves or allspice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
3/4 c. molasses
3 c. flour, sifted
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Cream together shortening, brown sugar, spices, and salt. Add the egg; mix thoroughly. Add molasses and blend. Sift together (twice) the flour, soda, baking powder, and add to the molasses mixture. Stir well and chill. Roll out a fourth of the dough at a time, on floured board to a little more than 1/8 inch thick. Cut with a gingerbread man cutter or other shapes. Bake on greased cookie sheets in moderately hot oven (375 degrees), 8 to 10 minutes. Cool before decorating.