1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening or lard
1 c. molasses
1 c. hot water, not boiling
1 egg
4 1/2 c. flour
2 level tsp. baking soda
1 level tsp. salt
1 lg. tsp. cinnamon
1 level tsp. ginger
pinch of cloves

Stir baking soda into hot water until dissolved; add molasses.

Cream shortening with sugar until light; beat in egg. Stir together flour, salt and spices.

Add 1/2 of the dry ingredients (flour), the molasses mixture, then the remaining flour (dry) mixture.

Mix only until combined. Chill for 1 hour.

Roll out and cut into shapes on a lightly floured board, using cutters dipped in flour or cocoa to prevent sticking.

Transfer to greased cookie sheets and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes (depends upon size of cookies), or until done.

Cool on wire racks.