Soft Ginger Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Cream sugar and shortening together well.
2. 2
   Set aside.
3. 3
   Sift together spices, salt and 7 cups of the flour.
4. 4
   Dissolve baking soda in boiling water.
5. 5
   Add water mixture alternately with flour mixture to the sugar and molasses and combine well.
6. 6
   Dough will be thick.
7. 7
   Turn onto a floured board and knead in more flour if dough is sticky.
8. 8
   Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into rounds or desired shapes.
9. 9
   Bake in a 375° oven on greased cookie sheets for 9 to 10 minutes.
10. 10
    Makes 6 or 7 dozen cookies, depending on size of cookie cutter.