1 c. sour cream
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
1 c. shortening
1 c. light molasses
3 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. mace
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tbsp. cardamom seeds
2 tsp. baking powder

Dissolve baking soda in sour cream. In large bowl cream sugars and shortening. Add sour cream and molasses. Beat in eggs. Sift dry ingredients and mix in to make a very stiff dough. Shape into small balls and place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until browned, about 10 minutes. Cool and store in air tight container. Cookies will soften after a ripening time of about 1 week.