Molasses Cookies

1 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg

     Beat sugar, shortening, egg and molasses. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, soda, and spices. Slowly add dry ingredients to molasses mixture. Beat with mixer until all flour is mixed in. Roll into balls; dip in sugar. Place on cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. Cool one minute on pan, remove to wire rack.

These can easily be made into gingersnaps by substituting 1 tsp. ginger for the 1 tsp. nutmeg.