2/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves or allspice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
3/4 c. molasses
3 c. flour, sifted
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Cream together shortening, brown sugar, spices and salt. Add the egg, mix thoroughly. Add molasses and blend. Sift together twice the flour, baking soda, baking powder and add to the molasses mixture. Stir well and chill. Roll out a fourth of the dough at a time, on floured board to a little more than 1/8 inch thick. Cut with gingerbread man cutter. Bake on greased cookie sheets in moderately hot (375 degree) oven 8 to 10 minutes. Cool before decorating.