1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/4 c. water
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 c. flour
Raisins

Blend sugar, shortening, molasses and water. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle cloth-covered surface with flour. Roll out dough with rolling pin 1/4" thick. Cut with a gingerbread person cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Decorate with raisins. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool. Remove from cookie sheet. Makes about 1 dozen cookies, depending on size.