2 1/4 c. 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. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Dried currants
Frosting

In a large bowl, measure all ingredients, except currants and frosting. With mixer at medium speed, beat ingredients until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. On lightly floured surface with floured rolling pin; roll chilled dough 1/8 inch thick. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With 5 inch long cutter, cut out men. Reroll trimmings and cut more cookies. With pancake turner, place men 1/2 inch apart on cookie sheets. On each cut out, place currants for buttons, eyes, and mouth. Or omit currants and decorate with frosting after cookies have been baked. Bake 8 minutes or until browned. With a pancake turner, remove cookies to racks. Cool before decorating. With frosting, outline feet, sleeve, etc., any way you wish.