Gingerbread (Mom's Recipe)

Ingredients:
1 cup molasses
1 cup shortening
1 egg
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1/2 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla
6 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt

Directions:
In a small pot combine the molasses and shortening and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer for 15 minutes. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients (adding the molasses and shortening at the end). Stir well and chill in the refrigerator until its cool. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Once chilled, roll out the dough between to pieces of wax paper. Cut into shapes. Place shapes on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely and decorate.

Difficulty: Medium
Time to Make: a couple of hours
Recipe Origin: Mom