SUGAR 'N' SPICE COOKIES

FOR THE COOKIES:
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
FOR THE LEMON FROSTING:
2 cups confectioner's sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice

TO MAKE THE COOKIES:
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add egg; mix well. Beat in molasses. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 Degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool.

TO MAKE THE FROSTING:
Cream the sugar, butter and lemon peel in a mixing bowl. Gradually add lemon juice. beating until frosting reaches desired spreading consistency. Frost cookies.

Yields about 4 1/2 dozen
Source: Taste of Home Magazine, October/November 1996