3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. molasses
1 egg
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
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 raisins in. 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. Cool 1 minute transfer to wire rack. Makes about 3 dozen gems.