GINGERBREAD MEN CUTOUTS

Julie Baldwin, Devin Baldwin, Recipe #3

Ingredients:
½ cup shortening
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup molasses
1 egg
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
2. Add granulated sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
3. Beat in molasses, egg, and vinegar until combined.
4. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.
5. Stir in any remaining flour.
6. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill dough about 3 hours or until easy to handle.
7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
8. Grease a cookie sheet and set aside.
9. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time until ¼ inch thick.
10. Cut with people-shaped cookie cutters.
11. Bake for 6 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
From Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book p224