4 1/2 c. sifted all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. ginger
3/4 tsp. cloves
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. allspice
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. light molasses
1 tbsp. rum extract
1/3 c. water

Mix and sift flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses and rum extract; beat well. Add flour mixture and water alternately, beating until well blended after each addition. Wrap dough in foil; chill overnight.

Roll dough one half at a time, about 1/4" thick. Cut with a floured 4" round cookie cutter. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheets at 375 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes or until just done but not browned around edges. Cool on racks. Store in air tight can or jar. Makes about 2 dozen 4" cookies.