1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 1/2 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 c. water
1 c. molasses
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Cream the shortening and sugar; combine the mixture with water and molasses. Sift together the dry ingredients and add alternately to the creamed mixture with the liquids. Blend well after each addition.

Drop by spoon onto a well-greased cookie sheet, making five cookies to a sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Dough can be chilled overnight and rolled to cut with cookie cutters.