Categories: Cookies 
      Yield: 1 servings 
  
      1 c  Molasses                            3 ts Baking soda 
      1 c  White sugar                         1 ts Ground ginger 
      1 c  Shortening                          2 ts Cinnamon 
      1 c  Hot water                           6 c  (approx.) flour, sifted 
 
----------------------------------FROSTING---------------------------------- 
      2    Egg whites                        1/2 ts Vanilla 
      3 c  Confectioners sugar                      Food coloring (optional) 
  
   Children love these because the ginger and molasses flavors are not 
  overwhelming. 
   
   In a large bowl, mix molasses, sugar, shortening and hot water. Stir to 
  combine thoroughly, although shortening doesn't need to melt completely. 
   
   In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, ginger and cinnamon with 4 cups of 
  flour. Mix into liquids, stirring to blend well. Gradually add enough of 
  the additional flour to make a dough stiff enough to roll. Chill 1-2 hours 
  before baking. 
   
   Preheat oven to 350Ü. Grease cookie sheets. Roll out dough to about 
  1/6-inch thick and cut shapes with your favorite cookie cutter. Bake 8-11 
  minutes at 350Ü until done. Cool completely and frost with decorative 
  frosting. Cookies can also be dusted with decorative sugar or sprinkles 
  prior to baking. 
   
   To make frosting, beat egg whites until frothy, then beat in sugar and 
  vanilla. If you like, separate the icing into several bowls and add a drop 
  or two of food coloring. To yellow, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract. 
   
  Yield: 7-10 dozen, depending on size of cookie cutters. Martina Boudreau, 
  St. Louis, MO 
   
      Randy Shearer