Spicy gingerbread figures are fun to decorate. Using your favorite confectioners' sugar icing, add faces, jackets, buttons and shoes.

5 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar and 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 c. molasses
2 tbsp. vinegar

Sift together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; set aside.

Cream together shortening and sugar in bowl until light and fluffy, using electric mixer at medium speed. Add egg, molasses and vinegar; beat well.

Gradually stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture, mixing well. Cover and chill in refrigerator at least 3 hours.

Divide dough into fourths. Use one fourth of dough at a time, keeping remaining dough in refrigerator. Roll out each fourth of dough on floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with floured gingerbread cookie cutter. Place cookies, about 1 1/2 inches apart, on greased baking sheets.

Bake in 375 degree oven 5 to 6 minutes, or until no imprint remains when touched lightly with finger. Cool on baking sheets a few seconds. Remove from baking sheets; cool on racks. Decorate with confectioners' sugar icing. Makes 5 dozen (4 inch) cookies.