1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 c. molasses
4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
2/3 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. sweet or sour milk
1 1/2 c. raisins or chopped nuts (optional)

Sift all dry ingredients together. (Do not include optional ingredients.) Beat shortening into sugar until well creamed. Add eggs; mix well. Add molasses; mix until smooth. While continuing to mix, add previously sifted dry ingredients and milk, alternately. Beat at slow speed for about 2 minutes or until batter is smooth. Fold in optional ingredients. Drop on very lightly greased cookie sheet by the tablespoonfuls. Bake at 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Use toothpick to see if done. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar when cooled (on rack). Note: If cookie sheet has too much grease, cookies will be flat. This will yield about 4 dozen cookies approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter. For optionals, you can make up your own: raisins, dates, mixed nuts, etc.