1/3 c. butter
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. dark molasses
1 egg
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Dash of salt

FROSTING:

3 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Dash of salt

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in molasses and egg; combine dry ingredients. Mix well. Chill. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness; cut with gingerbread people cutters. Place on greased cookie sheets; bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Cool.

Combine sugar, milk, vanilla and salt. Mix well. Add food coloring if desired. Frost cookies. Decorate with raisins and candies, if desired. 3 1/2 dozen.