Gingerbread Cutouts

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Powdered Sugar Icing (see recipe, page 88)(optional)
• Decorative candies (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half of the flour, the sugar, molasses, egg, vinegar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat till thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour. Cover and chill for 3 hours or till easy to handle.
2. Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time 1/2 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on an greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° oven for 5 to 6 minutes or till edges are lightly browned. Cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
3. If desired, prepare Powdered Sugar Icing, adding a few drops food coloring. Decorate cookies with icing and decorative candies, if desired.
4. Gingerbread People Cutouts: Prepare as above, except roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut with 4 1/2- to 6-inch people cookie cutters. Bake in a 375° oven for 6 to 8 minutes or till edges are lightly browned.