Lard 1 cup
Brown sugar 1 cup lightly packed
Molasses ¼ cup
Water ¼ cup
Flour 2 ¾ cups
Baking soda 2 tsp
Cinnamon 1 ½ tsp
Ground ginger 1 ½ tsp
Ground cloves 1 ½ tsp
Salt ½ tsp
Cream together lard, brown sugar and molasses. Combine remaining ingredients and then slowly stir into wet mixture. Mix well, then work with hands to make a smooth dough. Cover and chill 1-2 hours to ensure easy rolling.
Preheat oven to 350o. On a lightly floured surface roll dough into ¼ inch thick sheet. Cut into desired shapes and place on lightly greased or non-stick cookie cutter. Bake for 6-7 minutes. Cool and decorate as desired.