1 1/2 cup shortening
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
4 1/2 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cloves
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger
granulated sugar

Mix shortening, sugar, eggs and molasses thoroughly. Blend dry ingredients; stir into shortening mixture. Chill dough. Roll dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Dip tops into granulated sugar. Place balls, sugared side up, on greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle each with 2-3 drops of water. Bake @ 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or just until set but not hard. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.