STONE JAR MOLASSES COOKIES

1 cup molasses
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/4 cups flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger

Heat molasses to boiling point. Remove from heat. Stir in shortening and baking soda.

Measure flour and sift with remaining ingredients; stir in. Chill dough for several hours or overnight.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Roll dough out thinly, to about 1/16th-inch thickness on a lightly floured board. Cut into desired shapes. Place on lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake 5 to 7 minutes. Do not overbake.

Makes about six dozen (2 1/2-inch) cookies
Source: Betty Crocker Cookbook, 1961