1 c. solid vegetable shortening
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. dark molasses
1 tbsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
2 c. flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream shortening and 1 cup of the sugar. Stir in egg and molasses. Stir in all remaining dry ingredients, except 1/2 cup sugar. Form dough into 1 inch diameter balls and roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 to 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 12 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets until firm. Remove carefully with spatula. Makes 4 dozen cookies.