1/3 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 c. dark molasses
2/3 c. cold water
7 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix shortening, sugar and molasses thoroughly. Stir in water. Blend flour and all other dry ingredients together; stir in. Chill.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on lightly floured board. Cut with gingerbread boy cutter. Place far apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Ice cooled cookies. Decorate to make boy or girl cookies. Use raisins, chocolate chips, gumdrops, or icing to make the face or clothes.