1 qt. dark Karo syrup
1 lb. Crisco
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Anise seed
Cardamom seed
1 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in hot water
1 egg
1/2 c. strong coffee
5 lb. flour

Melt in a saucepan the syrup, Crisco, sugar, and spices. (Seeds should be cracked, removed form the hull, and ground or mashed fine.) Add 1 egg, 1/2 cup coffee, and enough four to make a stiff dough, but reserve 2 cups of flour to roll the cookies. Let set overnight at room temperature. Roll out and cut and bake in the morning.