Old Fashion Soft Molasses Cookies

6 Cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 cup lard
2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
1 cup dark molasses
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups hot water

Combine first four ingredients and mix well cream together lard and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Stir in molasses. Stir in the first four ingredients and then add the combined soda and water. Mix thoroughly. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Makes about 8 dozen
rec.food.recipes/Valerie/2001