1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. molasses
2 tbsp. vinegar
5 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves

Cream shortening with sugar. Add egg, molasses and vinegar; beat well. Sift dry ingredients; stir in. Chill 3 hours.

Roll thin on lightly floured surface. Cut in shapes. Place one inch apart on greased cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sugar.

For gingerbread men, press raisins into cut out dough for eyes, etc. bake in moderate oven (375) 5 to 6 minutes (more like 10 minutes I found). Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on rack. Yield: 32 gingerbread men, 8 dozen medium cookies.