Grandma Ford’s Spice Cookies

This is one of our family’s favorite recipes.  My mother’s mother adapted it from a recipe she found somewhere (we think).  Autumn has not arrived until we’ve made Grandma’s cookies.  I have two containers sitting on my counter waiting for an art reception this weekend.  Strong self-discipline and restraint has been required as we taste them with our eyes as we walk by.  Stop by the show and see if we were able to withstand such fragrant temptation!

1.  Preheat oven to 350^o

2.  Cream together:
—  ¾ c shortening
—   1 c sugar

3.  Stir in:
—   1 egg
—   ¼ c molasses

4.  Add and stir in:
—   2 c flour
—   2 t baking soda
—   ¼ t salt
—   1 t cinnamon
—   ¼ t ground cloves
—   ¾ t ginger

5.  Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350^o for 8-10 minutes.

6.  Cool on paper bags cut open or cooling racks.  While still warm, sprinkle with powder sugar in a sifter or wire sieve.

Makes 2-3 dozen, but I make at least a double, and most times a quadruple batch of these, they are so good!