Gingerbread
Cream together:
1/2 c shortening
1/2 c sugar
1 egg
1/2 c molasses

add:
1/2 c boiling water

add:
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon

add:
1.5 c flour

Grease a cookie sheet

Either:
a)  Roll into balls and flatten out the balls to about 1/4" thick
Or:
b)  Roll out to about 1/4" thick and cut into shapes (like gingerbread men)

Cook at 350F about 35-40 minutes, or until the cookies do not bounce back when poked lightly with a finger.

Source:  Better Homes and Gardens Meredith Publishing, 1962.

Notes:  Great standard American recipe.