Mom's Gingerbread Cookies

Mom's Gingerbread Cookies

Every Christmas is filled with family traditions at my parents house. A live tree is cut every year, where our family picture is always taken. Mom bakes all sorts of candies and cookies which are all family recipes. Growing up the baking wasn't something I took part in, and today I regret that. It wasn't until I went off to college that I started helping mom in the kitchen every year. The following recipe is my favorite thing to bake. They are time consuming to decorate but they are so cute and yummy when finished.

Ingredients

1/2 c. shortening

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour, divided

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c molasses or sorghum

1 egg

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Beat shortening until softened. Add about 1 1/4 cups flour and the next seven ingredients. Beat until thouroughly combined. Stir in remaining 1 1/4 cups flour. Divide dough in half. Cover dough and chill for three hours or until easily handled.

Roll each half of the dough to 1/3 to 1/4 inch thickness. Place on an ungreased baking sheets and bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are firm. Let cool and decorate with icing and candy.

Makes 2 dozen.