Gingerbread Cookies

3 1/4 cups sifted flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoonsf baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup Crisco

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup molasses

1 egg

1. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and spices.

2. In large mixing bowl, cream together Crisco and sugar; add molasses and egg, and beat well.

3. Gradually add dry ingredients; stir to form a stiff ball.

4. Chill 1 hour.

5. On a floured surface, roll dough 1/4 inch thick.

6. Use cookie cutters to cut into the desited shapes and place onto a cookie sheet, about an inch apart. Note: a double bottom cookie sheet will prevent the cookies from burning on the bottom.

7. Bakes at 375 degrees for 5-6 minutes. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet and cool on rack or cutting board.