• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Powdered-Sugar Frosting (below)

Add the sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; beat till combined.

Beat in molasses and egg till combined.

Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer on medium speed, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon.

Divide the dough into thirds. Cover and chill about 3 hours or till dough is easy to handle.

Meanwhile, draw around children's hands on cardboard or heavy paper to make glove and mitten shapes. Even out shapes and cut out. Set aside.

Roll one-third of thedough directly on a lightly greased cookie sheet to 1/4" thickness, using a floured rolling pin. Place patterns on dough, leaving 3/4" between cookies. Cut around patterns with knife. Remove excess dough.

Bake cookies in a 375 degree oven for 5 to 6 minutes or till cookies are set.

Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes.

Remove cookies from cookie sheet and cool on a wire rack. Cool completely.

Repeat with remaining dough, rerolling dough as necessary.

Decorate with Powdered-Sugar Frosting as desired. Makes about 18 depending on size of pattern.

Powdered-Sugar Frosting:

In a small mixing bowl stir together 2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk.

Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, till icing is smooth and of spreading consistency.

Divide into several portionls; color each portion with a few drops of food coloring.

To thicken frosting for piping, stir in a little additional powdered sugar.