Gingerbread Men

Another Christmas staple for us is Gingerbread men. We make them for our neighbors every year. Some years I ice them and have fun decorating. Sometimes we do raisins and red hots for details. I love the simpleness of them plain, so that's how I made them this year.

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup molasses

1 egg

2 Tbsp white vinegar

5 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beat well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add molasses, egg, vinegar. Mix well. Combine flour, soda, salt, and spices, stir well. Add to molasses mixture, mixing well. Shape dough into a ball, knead until smooth. Chill at least 8 hours (I usually do so overnight).

Divide dough in half. Place one portion in the fridge. Roll other half to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 5 inch gingerbread man cutter, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 6-7 minutes. Cool 2 minutes, transfer to wire racks and cool completely. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Yields 2 1/2 dozen.