1 c. molasses
1/2 c. shortening
1/3 c. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. each cinnamon, ginger & cloves
1/4 tsp. each nutmeg & allspice
3 3/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour

Heat molasses to boiling point and remove from heat. Mix remaining ingredients, then mix in flour. Work with hands until well-blended. Cover and chill overnight. Dough will not hold together until thoroughly chilled. Roll out paper-thin, a little dough at a time. Try not to handle dough any more than possible.

Cut in desired shapes. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake 6 minutes in preheated oven at 375 degrees. Cookies may be iced with a thin confectioners' sugar icing. Makes about 200 small cookies. Excellent!