2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. light molasses
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Into a large bowl, measure all ingredients. With a mixer at medium speed (high for a small mixer), beat the ingredients until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (or more). On a lightly floured surface, with a floured rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick. With cutters, cut out gingerbread boys. Place cut outs 1/2 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Reroll trimming and cut. Bake for 8 minutes (until lightly browned) in a 350 degree oven. Remove from pan with a pancake turner and place on rack to cool. may be trimmed with icing, raisins, gumdrops, string licorice, etc.