3/4 cup shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup molasses
2 cups plain flour (may need a little more)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 1/2 tablespoons buttermilk (optional)

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg and molasses. Mix. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and spices. Add and mix well.

Form into balls; place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 325 to 350°F until done. To make chewy, add 1 1/2 tablespoons buttermilk. Do not over-bake.

Makes about 3 dozen.

Submitted by: Martha Wallace