1/4 c. shortening
1/2 c. white sugar
1 sm. egg, well beaten
1/2 c. light molasses
2 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. hot water
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream shortening, add sugar gradually, cream well. Blend in well beaten egg, then molasses. Sift flour, salt and spices together, stir into molasses mixture alternately with the hot water in which the soda has been dissolved. Chill dough thoroughly.

Drop by teaspoonful onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake about 8 minutes in moderately hot oven (375-400 degrees). Makes about 4 dozen. Frost while warm with a thin powdered sugar frosting.