Christmas Ginger Cookies I

Ingredients

 * 6 cup flour
 * 1 tbsp baking soda
 * 1 tbsp ginger
 * 1 tsp clove
 * 1 tsp cinnamon
 * 1 tsp nutmeg
 * ½ tsp salt
 * 1 cup Crisco
 * 1 cup molasses
 * 1 cup brown sugar
 * ½ cup water
 * 1 egg
 * 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

 * 1) Mix flour, soda, spices and salt.
 * 2) Beat shortening, molasses, sugar, water, egg and vanilla until well blended.
 * 3) Gradually beat in flour mixture.
 * 4) Will be soft.
 * 5) Divide into fourths.
 * 6) Pat each ¼ into 1" thick round.
 * 7) Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 3 hours or up to 1 week.
 * 8) Roll on lightly floured surface to ⅛" thick, cut with gingermen cutters and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
 * 9) Cool slightly on cookie sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
 * 10) Decorate with Royal Icing.