1/3 cup soft shortening
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2/3 cup molasses
2 2/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger

Mix together shortening, sugar, egg and molasses thoroughly. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger and stir in. Chill dough.

Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Place 1-inch apart on lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes (or when touched lightly with finger, no imprint remains).

When cool, ice and decorate as desired.

Makes about 5 dozen (2 1/2-inch) cookies.

Submitted by: Patricia Owens