7 c. flour
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. ginger
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. rum (or 1 tsp. rum extract, adding 1/4 c. water if extract is used)
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. dark molasses
1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar

Combine water and rum in one container. Combine soda and molasses in another. Cream together shortening and sugar. Sift flour and spices together. Add sifted dry ingredients and water molasses mixture to the creamed ingredients, a little at a time. Blend well after each addition.

Chill dough. Overnight is best. Roll 1/4 inch thick on floured board. Cut with 4 inch cutters, place on greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cut down on the baking time if you use smaller cookie cutters.