4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 c. packed light brown sugar
3/4 c. butter
1/4 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. light molasses
1/2 tsp. cider vinegar

Mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Add brown sugar and mix well. With pastry blender, cut in butter and shortening. Mix molasses and vinegar and gradually stir into mixture. Mix thoroughly with hands if necessary. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic and chill several hours until firm enough to roll.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Keep remainder of dough refrigerated while rolling out small amounts at a time to 1/8-inch. Cut with cookie cutter and bake on greased sheet about 8 minutes (do not brown).