Gingerbread cookies

First you find a helper who's in a good mood. Then you get out all the stuff, and bake up some cookies!



Rolled Ginger Cookies:

5 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground clove
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup molasses
2 tbsp vinegar

Stir together flour, soda, spices and 1/2 tsp salt. Beat shortening for 30 seconds. Add sugar, beat until fluffy. Add egg, molasses and vinegar; beat well. Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture, beating well. Cover and chill for 3 hours or overnight. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet. Divide dough into thirds. Roll each third to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place one inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Cool 1 minute on pan, then remove to wire rack. When completely cool you can decorate with frosting or candies or just eat them before there are none left.