1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. real vanilla
1 c. Grandma's Molasses
4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice

Cream the shortening. Gradually add brown sugar. Blend in eggs, vanilla and molasses. Beat until fluffy. Sift together remaining ingredients. Blend dry ingredients gradually into creamed mixture. Dough should be soft, not sticky or tops won't crackle. Chill dough until it can be handled with light dusting of flour on hands. Chill for 3 or more hours. Shape into balls, place on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until brown. Sprinkle with sugar immediately upon removing from the oven so that the sugar will stick.