1 c. shortening, parkay or butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. light or dark molasses
4 c. sifted all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Add flour, soda, salt and spices. Stir until a stiff dough is formed. Wrap dough and refrigerate for 3 hours.

Cut dough into pieces. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut a girl or boy pattern from thin card board. Flour pattern and place on top of dough. Using the tip of a sharp knife, trace around pattern. Or, use your own cutters. Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet about 1-inch apart.

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-6 minutes or until puffed and brown around the edges. Remove cookies to a wire rack; cool. Wrap and store in a cool place until needed.

To decorate cookies make a frosting with confectioners sugar and enough milk to make a thick spreadable consistency. Tint with red and green food color. Using a pastry bag with a writing tip, outline each cookie. If desired, sprinkle with sugar, silver dragees or other small decorative candies. To hang cookies on tree simply loop string under arm and tie securely on branch.

Makes approx. 12 cookies.

NOTE: You may find you need extra flour 1/2 cup or less.