2/3 c. shortening
3/4 c. light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tbsp. molasses
3 tbsp. boiled, cooled water
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
2 1/4 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. pulverized or ground cardamom seeds

Cream shortening and sugar thoroughly. Add molasses and water and lemon rind. Sift flour with baking soda and spices. Add to creamed mixture a little at a time. Blend well. Flour hands. Toss dough quickly on floured surface and place in refrigerator. Chill. Turn dough onto floured surface. Roll out very thin and cut with cookie cutters. Bake on buttered cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool cookies on sheet. Makes about 60 cookies.