6 cups of Flour
1 tablespoon of Baking soda
1 tablespoon of Ginger
1 teaspoon of Clove
1 teaspoon of Cinnamon
1 teaspoon of Nutmeg
Half a teaspoon of Salt
1 cup of Crisco
1 cup of Molasses
1 cup of Brown sugar
Half a cup of Water
1 Egg
1 teaspoon of Vanilla

1. Mix flour, soda, spices and salt. Beat shortening, molasses, sugar, water, egg and vanilla until well blended.
2. Gradually beat in flour mixture until soft.
3. Divide into one-fourths. Pat each 1/4 into 1-inch thick round. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 3 hours or up to 1 week.
4. Roll on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thick, cut with cutters and bake at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-12 minutes.
5. Cool slightly on cookie sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Decorate with Royal Icing.