Ingredients

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/4 c. water
2 1/2 c. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
3/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. allspice

raisins
red hots
gumdrops
licorice
icing

What To Do

Cream shortening and sugar. Blend in molasses, water, four, salt, soda, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. Cover; chill for 2 to 3 hours.

Then...

Heat oven to 375*. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on lightly floured wax paper covered board. Cut with cookie cutter; place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Immediately remove from baking sheet. Cool.

Decorate!

Frost. I just used the kind that's alreading made! These are hearts with raisins, red hots, and decorator candies. If you're making gingerbread men, you could use licorice for trim and candied cherries for eyes and rosy cheeks.