2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 c. shortening
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1 egg separated (use whites in icing)

Sift together the first 8 ingredients. Cream shortening with sugar and molasses until fluffy. Beat in egg yolk, add flour and dry ingredients. Take a handful of dough and roll out on lightly floured board to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies in shape of gingerbread boy. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake carefully at 350 degrees 8-10 minutes. Cool.

ICING:

1 1/4 c. powdered sugar
Egg whites (leftover from cookies)
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. vanilla

Beat icing at high speed until frosting holds shape. Cover with damp cloth. Frost and decorate each gingerbread boy.