1/2 c. soft shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. molasses
1 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1/2 c. hot water
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix shortening, sugar, egg and molasses together. Stir in soda dissolved in water. Sift together flour, salt, and spices. Stir into other ingredients. Chill dough. Drop generous spoonfuls about 2 inches apart on lightly greased pans. Bake 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly with finger.