1 c. molasses
1 c. sugar
1 c. lard or shortening
1 egg
1/2 c. hot water
3 level tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt

Put first 4 ingredients in large bowl. To hot water add 3 teaspoons baking soda and mix. Add hot water and baking soda mix to flour with spices and lard to bowl and mix quickly until soft enough to roll out. Cut into cookies; place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees.