GINGERBREAD MEN

*Christmas Collection*

1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup molasses
1 egg
3 cups sifted flour

3 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp Ginger
+Decorator icing

1. Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in molasses then egg. Sift dry ingredients; stir in. (Dough will be quite soft.) Roll out 1/4-inch thick on lightly floured board. Cut out gingerbread men, stars, rounds or other shapes. Place on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool on rack then frost with Decorator Icing. YIELD: About 3 Dozen cookies, depending on size.

DECORATOR ICING: Beat 1 large egg white with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter. Stir in 1-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1 TB soft white shortening. Beat till very stiff. Add food coloring if desired. Put icing in decorating tube; decorate gingerbread men.

(Source: Dorothy Dean & kappboom wallpaper photo)