1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. white or brown sugar

1/2 c. dark molasses

3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt

Add the sifted ingredients to butter mixture in 3 parts alternately with 5 tablespoons of water or more. Work in the last bit of flour mixture with your hands.

Roll dough to any thickness you like and cut with floured cookie tin. A good idea is to roll dough directly onto greased baking sheet, cut out figure and pull away excess. Bake in moderate oven at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes. Test with toothpick for doneness. Have children decorate.