1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. dark rum
2 c. dark molasses
2 tsp. baking soda
7 c. flour
1 tbsp. ginger
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice

Cream shortening and sugar. Dissolve salt in water, mix with rum, add soda to molasses. Sift spices with flour; add flour mix and liquid mix alternately with creamed mixture. Stir well. Mix will be sticky. Chill overnight. Roll dough on floured board to 1/2" thickness. Cut with 5" cutter. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.