1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. solid vegetable shortening (not butter)
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
2 eggs, slightly 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

Cream together butter, shortening and sugar until light colored and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs; set aside. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Blend thoroughly. Gradually add flour mixture into creamed ingredients until dough is blended and smooth. Roll dough into 1 1/2" balls. Dip tops in granulated sugar; place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. Do not overbake. Store in tightly covered container to maintain softness. Makes about 3 dozen.