1/2 c. vegetable shortening
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. molasses
1 egg
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. salt

Cream 1/2 cup each of vegetable shortening and sugar with electric mixer. Add 3/4 c. molasses and 1 egg; beat well. With a spoon, stir in 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dough will be stiff. Cover and chill 1 hour. Roll out dough on lightly floured cutting board to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven 10 minutes. Makes 22 to 24 (5 inch) cookies.