Drop Molasses Cookies

• ¼ cup shortening 
• ½ cup boiling water 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• ½ cup molasses 
• ½ cup granulated sugar 
• 1 egg 
• 2 ½ cups flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• ½ teaspoon soda 
• 1 teaspoon ginger 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Place shortening in a bowl. Pour in boiling water. Add salt. Stir in molasses and sugar. Add unbeaten egg and beat well.

Sift flour. Measure and sift together with baking powder, soda, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir into mixture.

Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Makes 24 to 30 cookies.

From Cooking Down East by Marjorie Standish