3/4 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
4 tsp. baking soda
4 c. flour
3/4 c. molasses
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cream shortening, add sugar gradually and cream thoroughly. Add beaten eggs and molasses. Add soda which has been dissolved in 4 teaspoons of hot water.

Sift flour before measuring. Sift flour with ginger, cinnamon together and add to first mixture. Roll out on floured board 1/8 of inch thick. If dough is hard to handle, chill until firm. Bake 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees. NOTE: for crackled surface brush top of cookies with water before baking or set a pan of water in oven. I brush with water.