1/2 c. butter
1 c. molasses
2 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in 1/2 c. hot coffee
1 tsp. ginger
6 c. flour
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Mix together. Chill dough for 1/2 hour. Roll and cut with Spam can.

FROSTING FOR COOKIES:

1 pkg. Knox gelatin - mix with 1 c. cold water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. powdered sugar
3/4 tsp. baking powder

Soak gelatin in water. Add 1 cup sugar in heavy skillet, bring to a rolling boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Measure powdered sugar in mixer bowl, pour syrup over this, add baking powder and vanilla. Beat until thick. Frost back of cookies.