2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. dark molasses
1/2 c. water
4 c. all purpose flour, whole wheat
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
Sugar

Mix 1 cup sugar and the shortening. Mix in remaining ingredients except sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. It is not necessary to refrigerate whole wheat dough.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on well floured cloth-covered board. Cut into 3 inch circles. Sprinkle with sugar; place about 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased sheet. Bake until almost no indention remains when touched, 10-12 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing from sheet; cool on wire rack.