1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, cream together butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs. Set mixture aside.

In another bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Blend thoroughly with wire whisk. Gradually add flour mixture with the creamed mixture until dough is blended and smooth.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and dip tops in sugar. Place 2 1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool on wire rack. Store in tightly covered container to maintain softness. Yield 3 dozen.