Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
4         cups          flour
3/4       teaspoon      baking soda
1         teaspoon      ground ginger
1 1/2     teaspoons     ground cinnamon
1 1/2     teaspoons     ground cloves
1/2       teaspoon      salt
1/2       cup           molasses
1 1/4     cups          sugar

Preparation:

1. Combine flour, spices, salt, and baking soda - stir well. Place flour mixture in a clean mason jar. Pack down tight so everything will fit in the jar. (Use a spoon or a mallet.) Add other ingredients, one item at a time, packing each layer down.

2. Put the lid on the jar and tie a ribbon around the lid. You can add a personalized label, if you wish. As an added touch, tie a wooden spoon to the lid with a piece of ribbon.

3. Print out the following instructions on a gift card and tape the card to the jar:

Whip 1 cup of butter or shortening until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup molasses. Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp. vanilla and beat until mixed. Stir in the ingredients from this jar until well combined. Drop teaspoons of dough on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 - 14 minutes at 350 degrees F. Share with a friend.