· 1/2 cup shortening

· 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1/2 cup white sugar

· 1/2 cup molasses

· 1 egg

· 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

· 1 teaspoon baking powder

· 1 teaspoon ground ginger

· 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

· 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

· 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half of the flour, the sugar, molasses, egg, vinegar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

3. Divide the chilled dough in portions to be rolled out. On a lightly floured surface roll the pieces of dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with a knife, spatula, or pizza cutter to desired sizes for walls, roof, etc. Place on greased cookie sheet.

4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 5-6 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute then remove with spatula to wire rack to finish cooling. Decorate with confectioners' sugar icing colored as desired with food coloring. Decorate and or assemble as desired