Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   5      c.            all-purpose flour
   2      t.            cinnamon
   2      t.            ginger
     1/2  t.            ground cloves
     1/4  t.            salt
   1      c.            vegetable shortening
     3/4  c.            sugar
   1      c.            light molasses
   1      large         egg

Preparation:

On waxed paper, combine flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In bowl, with electric mixer, beat shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. Stir in flour mixture to make a stiff dough. Heat oven to 350. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut cookies and transfer to ungreased baking sheet. Press out a hole for ribbon in top of each cookie. Bake gingerbread 12 to 15 minutes or until firm. Cool on racks. Use for decorating the tree, or to eat.