2 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. powdered ginger (or ground)
1/4 tsp. powdered cloves (or ground)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. molasses
Sugar in plate

Beat butter, sugar, eggs and molasses in a bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in dry ingredients. Chill in refrigerator at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into walnut sized balls and dip in sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet and flatten balls with spatula. Bake no longer than 7 minutes or they become hard.