1 c  Molasses

      1 c  White sugar

      1 c  Shortening

      1 c  Hot water

      3 ts Baking soda

      1 ts Ground ginger

      2 ts Cinnamon

      6 c  (approx.) flour, sifted

----------------------------------FROSTING----------------------------------
      2    Egg whites

      3 c  Confectioners sugar

    1/2 ts Vanilla

           Food coloring (optional)
   Children love these because the ginger and molasses flavors are not
  overwhelming.
   In a large bowl, mix molasses, sugar, shortening and hot water. Stir to
  combine thoroughly, although shortening doesn't need to melt completely.
   In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, ginger and cinnamon with 4 cups of
  flour. Mix into liquids, stirring to blend well. Gradually add enough of
  the additional flour to make a dough stiff enough to roll. Chill 1-2 hours
  before baking.
   Preheat oven to 350C8. Grease cookie sheets. Roll out dough to about
  1/6-inch thick and cut shapes with your favorite cookie cutter. Bake 8-11

  minutes at 350C8 until done. Cool completely and frost with decorative
  frosting. Cookies can also be dusted with decorative sugar or sprinkles
  prior to baking.
   To make frosting, beat egg whites until frothy, then beat in sugar and
  vanilla. If you like, separate the icing into several bowls and add a drop
  or two of food coloring. To yellow, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract.
  Yield: 7-10 dozen, depending on size of cookie cutters. Martina Boudreau,
  St. Louis, MO
      Randy Shearer