2 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
6 tbsp. molasses
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tsp. vanilla extract
5 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 2 tbsp. water
4 c. all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 2 large cookie sheets. In large mixer bowl beat eggs until fluffy. Add sugar, shortening, molasses, spices, salt, vanilla, baking soda and water and continue beating until light and fluffy, scraping bowl occasionally. Gradually add flour. Roll into 3/4-inch balls. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. The "final touch": drop cookie sheets on floor or counter top so cookies will flatten and crackle. Makes about 9 1/2 dozen, about 50 calories per cookie.