1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 c. butter
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp. molasses
1 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. finely shredded orange or lemon peel
Lace icing (recipe follows)

Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg, molasses, water, and peel. Beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well mixed. Cover and chill about 2 hours or until easy to handle.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven about 8 minutes or until done. Remove and cool. With a decorating bag and writing tip, pipe on a design with Lace Icing. Makes about 100.

LACE ICING:

2 c. sifted powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
About 2 tbsp. light cream or enough to make icing of piping consistency

Stir together.

A Swedish friend told me about the delightful tradition of the wishing cookie. To make a wish, place a cookie in the palm of your hand. Press in the center with one finger of your other hand. If the cookie breaks in 3 pieces and you can eat all 3 pieces without saying a word, you get to make a wish.