Robert E. Lee Cookies
Although I (Virginia) have not made this cookie, I have friends who regularly make this cookie for Christmas; it has become a family favorite.

This recipe came from Stratford Hall, Virginia, the home of Robert E. Leeand is thout to have been a favorite of his family. The cookies are baked at the Lee Plantation and served with warm cider to visitors.

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter or margarine (NOT spread)
1/2 cup molasses
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
4 cups flour
4 tsp. soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves

Melt the butter and add the molasses, sugar and eggs. Beat well. Sift together and add to the mixture the flour, soda, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Refrigerate the dough for several hours. Break off pieces of the dough (heaping teaspoon sized) and roll into small balls. Roll the balls in sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until firm and brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Makes about 10 dozen.