Mix in a large bowl: 4 cups flour 1 1/4 tsp. Ginger 3/4 tsp. Cloves 1 tsp. Salt 2 1/2 tsp. Baking soda

Mix together: 2/3 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 2/3 cup molasses

Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with hot water (add a total of 1/2 cup of water) until it is all mixed together. If necessary, add more flour to firm up the dough. Put in the fridge long enough to make the dough rollable. The point of the flour and the refrigeration are to make the dough rollable, so when this is achieved, go on to the next step. Roll to 1/8 in thick. Cut out cookies and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees 12-15 min.