CRACKED MOLASSES COOKIES

This recipe was passed down from my husband’s grandmother and has been in the family for 100 years.

¾ cup shortening                                1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup sugar                                           ½ teaspoon ginger

1 egg                                                      ½ teaspoon cloves

¼ cup molasses                                    2 teaspoons baking soda

2 cups all purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Cream the shortening and sugar in mixer bowl until fluffy.  Beat in the egg and molasses.  Shift the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and baking soda together.  Add to the creamed mixture, mixing well.  Shape into small balls.  Roll in additional sugar to coat.  Place on a nonstick cookie sheet.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown.  Cool on cookie sheet for several minutes.  Remove to wire rack to cool completely.    Yield 3 to 4 dozen.