Gingerbread Men - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2/3 c. margarine
1/2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 scant tsp. ground cloves
1 egg
3/4 c. molasses
3 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
currants or raisins, candied cherries or M&M's (to decorate)

Preparation

Combine shortening with brown sugar, spices and salt until light and fluffy.
Add egg and molasses; blend.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and baking powder.
Add to sugar mixture; stir until well blended.
Cover and chill.
Roll out 1/4 of dough at a time on lightly floured board to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut with gingerbread man cutter.
Transfer to greased cookie sheet.
Before baking, press currants for eyes and nose.
M&M's are popular for the buttons and slivers of candied cherries for mouth, belt and shoes.
Bake at 375\u00b0 for 9 minutes, or until done.
Cool on racks. Makes about 15 men.