2 1/2 c. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. allspice
1/2 c. soft shortening
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/4 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift all dry ingredients together and set aside. Cream shortening and sugar together in a bowl. Blend in molasses, water and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients. Chill dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured board. Cut dough with gingerbread boy or girl cutter dipped in flour. Place dough people on cookie sheet. Decorate as desired (raisins, bits of gumdrops, red hots, etc.) Bake approximately 10 minutes at 375 degrees. If soft cookies are desired, watch time in oven.