Got this recipe years ago. We used to put out homemade cookies for morning and afternoon coffee for the family, and these were the first ones to disappear.

Ingredients: (Yield: 6½ dozen)

• 1 cup shortening
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup dark molasses
• 5½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup water
• Frosting or confectioners’ sugar, optional

Method:

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out to ¼-inch thickness. Cut with 2½-inch cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Frost or dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.