1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 egg
3 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. boiling water
4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
Lemon or spice flavoring

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix shortening, sugar, molasses, and egg until smooth. Dissolve soda in water. Add liquid and dried ingredients to mixture. Flavor with lemon, nutmeg or cinnamon. Drop onto cookie sheets by spoonfuls. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.