Moravian Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 lb light brown sugar
• 6 oz shortening
• 2 rounded Tbsp soda
• about 4 lb flour
• 2 Tbsp cloves
• 2 Tbsp ginger
• 2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 6 oz margarine
• 1 qt dark molasses
• 12 c boiling water

Directions

1. Melt shortening and margarine until it bubbles add to sugar Stir in the molasses
2. Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to mixture
3. Sift in approximately 4 pounds flour
4. Add spices along with the flour
5. The dough should be almost stiff enough to roll Cover and let set overnight
6. Do not refrigerate
7. On a floured cloth-covered board roll dough as thin as possible
8. Cut with cookie cutters and place on a greased pan
9. Bake at 275 for exactly 10 minutes
10. Let cookies cool before removing from pan Makes 7 to 8 pounds of cookies