GINGERBREAD COOKIES

1 1/2 c. molasses 

1 c. dark brown sugar, firmly packed 

2/3 c. cold water 

1/3 c. Crisco 

7 c. flour 

2 tsp. baking soda 

1 tsp. cinnamon 

1 tsp. cloves 

2 tsp. ginger 

1 tsp. allspice 

1 tsp. salt

Heat oven to 350°F.

Combine molasses, brown sugar, Crisco and water.  Add remaining ingredients to combine.  Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured board.  Cut into gingerbread boy or girl shapes with floured cookie cutters.  Place shapes 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven. remove from cookie sheets and cool on wire racks.  When thoroughly cooled, decorate with vanilla frosting.

Vanilla frosting:

4 c. confectioners sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
6 tbsp. cream

Beat together till smooth and add food coloring to tint to desired color or use plain.

http://www.afunzone.com