Amount
Ingredient
Preparation



6
cups
flour





1
tablespoon
baking soda





1
tablespoon
ginger





1
teaspoon
cloves





1
teaspoon
cinnamon





1
teaspoon
nutmeg





1/2
teaspoon
salt





1
cup
shortening





1
cup
molasses





1
cup
brown sugar





1/2
cup
water





1
each
egg





1
teaspoon
vanilla extract

 Mix flour, soda, spices and salt. Beat shortening, molasses, sugar, water, egg and vanilla until well blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Will be soft. Divide into fourths. Pat each 1/4 into 1 inch thick round. 

Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 3 hours or up to 1 week. 

Roll on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thick, cut with gingermen cutters and bake at 35 degrees for 1-12 minutes.  

Cool slightly on cookie sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate with icing