Merry Christmas Molasses Cookies

2/3 c Brown sugar,packed

2/3 c Shortening

1 1/3 c Molasses

2 Eggs

5 1/2 c All-purpose flour

4 t Ground cinnamon

2 t Ground ginger

2 t Baking soda

1 t Salt

Mix brown sugar,shortening and molasses.Stir in remaining ingredients.Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.Heat oven to 375 degrees.Roll dough 1/2" thick on a lightly floured cloth covered board.Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.Place about 1" apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.Bake until no indentation remains when touched,about 7 to 8 minutes;cool.Frost and decorate as desired.Makes 5 dozen 3"

cookies.