This is one of my favorite cookie recipes. My sister in Dallas found it. It's easy and tastes great. Sometimes I add a dash of cayenne pepper to the spices, which is from another gingerbread cookie recipe that I have.

Combine the shortening, sugar, molasses and vinegar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add egg and stir well. Shift together remaining cookie ingredients. Add the mixture from the saucepan and combine. Chill 30-45 minutes, or overnight. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough out to 1/4 - 1/2" thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cool on racks. Decorate with icing.

Icing: Cream powdered sugar and shortening together. Add water, vanilla and salt. Beat well.