1 c. vegetable shortening
2 c. molasses
Grated rind of 1 orange
5 c. flour
1 tbsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. powdered cloves
1 tsp. allspice
Powdered sugar
Chocolate bits

Combine shortening and molasses in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cool. Stir in orange rind, flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Beat well in mixer to blend. Chill 2 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

Roll out a small amount of dough at a time on a floured board to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheet (bottoms will burn if sheet is greased) and bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes or until cookies are brown and puffy. Let cool about 30 seconds before removing from cookie sheet. Cool completely on waxed paper.

ICING: Mix powdered sugar and milk until consistency of thick sour cream. Add a little melted butter if prefer an icing consistency more than a glaze consistency. Spread icing on cookies and add chocolate bits for eyes. Make about 5 dozen cookies. Store in airtight container.