1 1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. molasses
4 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
4 c. flour
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp[. ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt, optional

Beat sugar, shortening and molasses until creamy. Add unbeaten eggs; beat again. Add soda, ginger and spices to flour. Mix or fold into above mixture by hand. Refrigerate dough.

When ready to bake, roll into balls, size of walnuts. Dip into sugar; place on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes; less for chewier cookie. Wet hands if dough sticks when rolling balls.