1 c. sugar
1/3 c. shortening
1 egg
1/2 c. molasses
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda in 4 tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. salt
3 1/4 c. flour

ICING:

1 c. confectioners' sugar
4 tbsp. milk

Cream sugar and shortening. Add egg and molasses. Mix well. Add dry ingredients with soda and water. Spread on greased cookie sheet (this is difficult, but with a spatula, press into shape). Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool. Frost with powdered sugar icing. Cut into 96 (1 1/2 inch) bar cookies.