1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
1 c. molasses
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. hot water
5 c. sifted flour

Cream together sugar and shortening. Stir in molasses, salt and spices. Dissolve soda in the hot water; add and blend well. Stir in flour.

Make a large ball of dough; flatten with palm of hand on a floured surface. Cut with gingerbread cookie cutter. Decorate with raisins or red confetti candy. Bake at 350 degrees about 10 minutes. Makes 24.

Children love to take their own ball of dough, flatten out and make their own cookie.