1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. solid vegetable shortening, not butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until light colored and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs; set aside. In another large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Blend with wire whisk. Gradually mix flour mixture into creamed mixture until dough is blended and smooth. Roll dough in 1 1/2 inch balls. Dip tops into granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. Do not overbake. Yields about 3 dozen.