3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. molasses
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
Pinch cardamom
1 to 2 drops of water before baking

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Then chill for 30 minutes. Roll into 1/4 or 1/2 inch balls then roll each ball in 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet and drop 1 or 2 drops of water on each cookie. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.