Gingerbread Men - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup creamed shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark molasses
1 medium egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground

Preparation

Mix together the shortening, sugar, and molasses.
Next, add egg and beat completely.
Combine all dry ingredients and add to the creamed ingredients--using 1/2 cup increments.
Beat well after each addition.
Refrigerate the dough until cold.
Roll out until the dough is about 1/4 inch thick.
Use cookie cutters to form the figures.
Place in a 350\u00b0 oven and bake for 10 - 12 minutes.