1 1/2 c. dark molasses
1 c. packed brown sugar
2/3 c. cold water
1/3 c. shortening
7 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground allspice
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Decorators frosting

Mix molasses, brown sugar, water and shortening. Mix in remaining ingredients except frosting. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on floured board. Cut with floured gingerbread cutter or other favorite shaped cutter. Place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until no indentation remains when touched, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool. Decorate with decorators frosting. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.