1 cup vegetable shortening or combination with lard/butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup buttermilk or yogurt
6 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. salt

In mixing bowl, beat together shortening and sugar. Stir in molasses.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour with baking soda, spices and salt.

Add alternately to flour mixture with buttermilk/yogurt to form a soft dough. Refrigerate for at least several hours or overnight.

When thoroughly chilled, roll out about 1/2-inch thick, cut into circles and put a raisin or dried fruit in the center of each cookie. Bake.

Frost with confectioners icing, made with powdered sugar, milk, shortening and vanilla.