Moravian Molasses Cookies

This is a recipe from the Winkler Bakery in Old Salem in Winston Salem, North Carolina.They are a thin crispy cookie made from a recipe from 1800. Be warned though that this recipes makes sevn or eight POUNDS of cookies. You can cut it in half and it works great for gift giving.

1 lb. light brown sugar 6 oz. butter 6 oz. shortening

1 quart molasses 2 rounded tablespoons soda 1/2 cup boiling water

4 lbs. flour 2 tablespoons cloves 2 tablespoons ginger

2 tablespoons cinnamon

Melt shortening and butter until it bubbles and add to sugar. Stir in the molasses. Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to mixture. Sift in flour and add spices. The dough should be almost stiff to roll. Cover and let set overnight. Do not refrigerate. On floured board, roll dough as thin as possible. Cut with cookie cutters and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 275 for exactly 10 minutes. Let cookies cool before removing from pans.