Donna's Favorites

Gingerbread People

1 1/2 cups dark molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup cold water
1/3 cup shortening
7 cups all-purpose flour*
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
frosting to decorate

Mix molasses, brown sugar, water and shortening. Mix in remaining ingredients except frosting. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on floured board. Cut with floured gingerbread cutter or other favorite shaped cutter. Place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until no indentation remains when touched, 10 to 12 minutes; cool. Decorate with frosting.

About 2 1/2 dozen 2 1/4-inch cookies.

*If using self-rising flour, omit baking soda and salt.