1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. molasses
1 c. melted shortening
1/2 c. cocoa dissolved in shortening
2 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 c. hot water
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
5 1/2 c. flour

Mix sugar, egg, molasses, shortening mixed with cocoa, baking soda and water, cinnamon, cloves, salt and vanilla; mix well. Add 4 1/2 cups flour. Use remaining cup of flour to roll out cookies. Roll out and cut cookies. Put on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.