1/2 c. shortening or butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/4 c. water
2 1/2 c. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. allspice
Decorations: raisins, currants, small candies, string licorice, etc.

Cream shortening and sugar. Blend in molasses, water, flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Cover; chill for 2-3 hours.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a pastry cloth or board. Cut with ginger bread boy or girl cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press decorations into dough for eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, and other trims. Bake 10-12 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire racks. Yields about 15 (4 inch) cookies.