2/3 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. molasses
1 c. warm water
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
5 c. flour or enough to make stiff dough

Cream shortening, sugar, molasses and beat in egg. Mix thoroughly. Add water in which soda has been dissolved. Sift spice, salt with part of flour. Add to mix the rest of flour until stiff dough.

Spread to 1/4 inch thick on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees about 15 minutes. Let cool. Can top with powdered sugar icing. Cut into 2 inch squares.