1 c. butter, softened
1-1/2 c. dark brown sugar, firmly packed
2 lg. eggs
2/3 c. molasses
1/3 c. lemon juice
6-1/2 to 7 c. all-purpose flour, divided
2 tbsp. baking powder
2-1/2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. salt
raisins
red cinnamon candies
white frosting (see below)

Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Add eggs, molasses, and lemon juice; beat well. Combine 2 cups flour and next 7 ingredients; stir well. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture; mix well. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough, mixing well. Shape dough into a ball. Cover, chill at least 1 hour.

Roll half of dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a large, greased cookie sheet. Cut gingerbread men with an 8 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Remove excess dough, using the tip of a knife. Add excess dough to remaining half of dough; wrap in wax paper, and chill until needed.

Press raisins and cinnamon candies in each gingerbread man for eyes, nose, mouth, and buttons.

Bake at 350°F for 10 to 14 minutes or until golden. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Decorate Gingerbread Men with white frosting (see below).

Yield: 11 cookies.

White Frosting:

1 (16 oz.) pkg. powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 c. shortening
1/3 c. half-and-half
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until mixture is spreading consistency. Use frosting to outline gingerbread and make cuffs, collars, belts, and shoes.

Yield: 2 cups.