34 cup shortening. 1/2 cup brown sugar.

1/3 cup molasses. 1 well-beaten egg. 1 1/2 cups flour.

1/2 cup sour or buttermilk.

1/4 teaspoon soda.

1 teaspoon baking powder.

1/4 teaspoon salt.

1 teaspoon ginger.

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

Cream shortening; add sugar; beat well. Sift remaining dry ingredients. Add egg to creamed shortening and sugar, then add dry ingredients, molasses and liquid gradually, beating well. Drop from spoon on a greased pan, some distance apart, and bake in a moderate oven. These cookies spread while baking.

Ginger Cookies

For gingerbread man 1/3 cup butter or substitute. 4 cups flour.

1/2 cup sugar (brown or granulated). 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

3 teaspoons ginger.

1 teaspoon soda.

1/2 cup molasses.

1/2 cup milk (sour or sweet).

1 egg, beaten.

Sift flour, sugar, soda and spices. Rub in shortening, add molasses, egg and milk, mixing with a knife. Turn on a floured board and knead lightly, adding more flour if necessary. Set aside in a cool place for an hour or more, then roll and cut into shape. Bake in a moderately hot oven. If desired glossy, brush over each cookie with slightly beaten egg before baking.