BEFORE:

1 c. vegetable shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. molasses
2 tbsp. vinegar
5 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves

AFTER:

1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 egg whites
3/4 c. molasses
1 tbsp. vinegar
4 3/4 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. cloves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Stir in next three ingredients. In another bowl, mix dry ingredients. (Spoon whole wheat flour lightly into measuring cup - don't pack it). Stir into butter mixture. Chill for three hours. Batter will keep for several days in the refrigerator.

Divide dough into four balls. Place each ball between two sheets of lightly floured wax paper and roll out. Cut out gingerbread men with floured cookie cutters. Decorate with raisins and dried fruit, if desired. Bake for 8 minutes or until dough springs back when pressed with finger. Cool on a rack. If desired apply icing - 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with a few drops of nonfat milk - with a toothpick or small knife.

Makes 4 dozen.