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 350^o.  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.