Gingerbread Boys - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1 egg
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. each: ground cinnamon, ginger and cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
confectioners sugar icing, red hot candies and miniature chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses and egg; mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with a 4-inch cookie cutter dipped in flour. Place 2-inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350\u00b0 for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Decorate as desired. Yield: About 2 dozen.