1 c. dark brown sugar
1 c. vegetable shortening
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 c. dark molasses
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. thick buttermilk
1 tbsp. ginger
1 tbsp. cinnamon
3 1/2 c. + 2 1/2 tbsp. sifted flour

Cream shortening, sugar and salt. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add soda to the molasses (watch as it will foam over). Stir into first mixture. Add cinnamon and ginger to flour. Stir flour and buttermilk (in portions) into the batter. Blend well. Drop on unbuttered cookie sheets and bake at 400 degrees about 8 minutes.

FROSTING:

3 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
5 c. powdered sugar

Mix in small bowl. Apply frosting to slightly cooled cookies. For special occasions, frosting my be colored or colored sugar may be sprinkled on top.