3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. molasses
1 egg
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. raisins
Sugar

Beat shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Combine flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt. Add to molasses mixture; mix well. Stir in raisins. Cover; refrigerate until chilled. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll each in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets.

Bake in upper third of preheated 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute; transfer to wire racks. Makes about 3 dozen gems.