1/2 c. shortening
1/4 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 tbsp. water
3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 egg
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ginger

Cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses, egg, and soda dissolved in the water. Stir well. Add flour sifted with salt and ginger. Chill before rolling out (as it's so soft). Flour board well and do about 1/3 amount at a time. Roll rather thick. These burn easily so a 325 degree oven is about right. Cook for 10 minutes or so - watch them as bottoms burn before you know it. Makes 2 dozen large cookies.

This is half the rule - I never wanted 4 dozen all at one time, but you might.

ORIGINAL RULE:

1 c. shortening
1 pt. molasses
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
6 c. flour
3 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ginger
3 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. water

My grandmother, Lucille Kimble, was a very good cook. She always had these cookies for us whenever we came over.