3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups pumpkin
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Cream together shortening, sugar, egg and pumpkin. Sift together dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture and mix well. Add 1 cup nuts, if desired. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheet.

Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.

Submitted by: E.H.