GERMAN GINGERBREAD MEN

1 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup molasses
2 tablespoon vinegar
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking Soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
raisins (for decorating)

TO PREPARE THE DOUGH:
Thoroughly cream shortening, sugar and salt. Stir in egg, molasses and vinegar. Beat well.

Stir together the rest of the dry ingredients. Stir into molasses mixture. Chill about 2 hours.

TO SHAPE AND BAKE THE COOKIES:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

On lightly floured surface roll to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutter.* Place cookies 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Make eyes and buttons with raisins.

Bake at375 degrees for about 6 minutes. Cool slightly and remove from sheet. Allow to finish cooling on wire racks.

Store in tightly covered tin. Keeps well for 3-4weeks.

*NOTE: Use a 4-inch cutter. For smaller men, reduce the baking time by a minute or more.

Adapted from source: Marbalet