Ingredients
5 c. sifted AP flour (MUST be sifted)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
3 tsps. ginger
1 c. shortening
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
Preparation
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Melt shortening over moderate heat. Remove from heat, then add sugar and molasses. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour mix, stirring well to combine. Separate dough into three balls, wrap with waxed paper, and chill.
To cook, preheat oven to 350. Roll out dough and cut, using stencils, into pieces necessary for house. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool thoroughly before use. If it is humid, you may even need to let the cookies dry out a few days. If you don’t want a collapsed house, you need very stiff cookies.
