1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. shortening
1/2 c. molasses
1/2 c. hot water
1 egg
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves

FROSTING:

2 tbsp. butter, softened
2 c. powdered sugar
Dash of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2-3 tbsp. milk

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. In large bowl, combine sugar, shortening, molasses, water and egg; beat well. Add flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cloves; stir just until blended.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Immediately remove from pans. Allow to cool.

In small bowl, combine all frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost cooled cookies. 3 dozen cookies. (Melt in your mouth good.)