1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1/2 c. hot water
1 egg
4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon juice

Mix shortening, sugar, molasses, egg and lemon juice. Sift in dry ingredients, adding hot water in turn with dry ingredients addition. Chill dough overnight if possible. Bake 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

FROSTING:

1 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar
2 tsp. cold coffee
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. butter

Mix until smooth. Frost cookies when cool.