2 c. white sugar
2 c. molasses
1 c. shortening (no butter, preferably lard)
1 c. buttermilk
4 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. salt
3 flour

Mix well, then add more flour to make a stiffer dough. Roll thick and cut with cookie cutter or round cutter. Sprinkle tops with granulated sugar and place raisins or a teaspoon of jam (not jelly) on top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Cool before serving.