1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 c. dark, unsulphured molasses
1/2 c. water
4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice

Mix shortening and sugar together well. Stir in molasses and water. (Looks bad at this point, doesn't it?) Stir dry ingredients together; blend into shortening mixture. Chill several hours or overnight. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick; cut in 3 inch circles or use seasonal cutters (the bigger, the better). Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with sugar (or decorate with raisins or currants, if desired). Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Do not brown; cookies should not be puffy, however.

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES:

Place 1 scoop ice cream between two 3 inch cookies. Freeze 1 hour before serving.