1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/4 c. molasses
1 egg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. ginger
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 c. flour
1 c. raisins
1/3 c. water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. Beat sugar, shortening, molasses, and egg together until smooth. Mix spices, soda, flour, and raisins. Add to the sugar-shortening mixture with water to make a stiff dough. Shape dough into 3 logs, about 12 inches long, on greased cookie sheet. May brush with beaten egg yolk. Bake about 20 minutes. Let cool; slice into 2 or 3 inch pieces. You can make the logs ahead of time and refrigerate (wrapped).