Ginger Cookies

Tis the season for these...in fact tonight was the night for these in our house. What a great smell and yummy cookie!

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shortening (don't use margarine or butter)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup baking molasses
3/4 cup sugar

1. In a medium bowl stir together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Add the 2 cups sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occassionally. Beat in eggs and molasses until combined. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour mixture.

2. Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 350'F oven for 8 - 9 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned and tops are puffed (do not overbake). Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes a whole-latta-cookies.