1/2 c. molasses
1/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. butter or shortening
1 tbsp. milk
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Heat molasses to boiling point and add sugar, butter and milk. Mix the flour with the baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Add to the molasses and blend well. Add a few tablespoons of water (enough so that the dough holds together and handles easily). Roll or pat out the dough about 1/4" thick. Cut into large or small gingerbread men. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes. When cool, decorate. Makes eight 5" x 3" men.