Gingerbread Boys and Girls

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups dark molasses
2/3 cup cold water
7 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Mix brown sugar, shortening, molasses, and water in a large bowl.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.
4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheet.
5. Roll one-fourth of dough at a time 1/4-inch thick on floured surface.
6. Cut with floured gingerbread cookie cutter or other favorite shaped cutter.
7. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
8. Bake 10-12 minutes or until almost no indentation remains when touched in center.
9. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.
Yield: about 2 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies or about 5 dozen 2 1/2-inch cookies.Easter Basket Cupcakes
plain cupcakes
white icing
coconut (if desired)
green food coloring
string licorice
jelly beans (mini ones work best)

1. Tint icing to desired shade with green food coloring and ice cupcakes.
2. Tint coconut (if desired) with food coloring and sprinkle on top of icing for grass.
3. Cut licorice into 6-inch lengths. Place ends of licorice into cupcake to make the handle.
4. Place jelly beans on top of coconut.