Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           sugar
     1/4  cup           molasses
     1/3  cup           water
   2      teaspoons     ground cinnamon
   2      teaspoons     ground cloves
   2      teaspoons     ground nutmeg
   1      cup           corn oil margarine
   4      cups          all-purpose flour
   1      teaspoon      baking soda
                        ***ROYAL ICING***
   2      cups          confectioners' sugar
   1                    egg white -- stiffly beaten
     1/4  teaspoon      pure vanilla extract
   1      tablespoon    hot skim milk
                        few drops food coloring -- (optional)

Preparation:

Makes 4 dozen cookies 1. Combine sugar, molasses, water, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in a saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture starts to boil. 2. Remove from heat; add margarine and stir until completely melted. 3. Cool slightly; gradually stir in flour and baking soda until smooth. 4. Turn out onto lightly floured board; knead a few times until smooth. 5. Wrap in waxed paper; chill about 45 minutes. 6. Divide dough into 4 pieces; roll out 1 piece at a time to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured board. 7. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets; bake in preheated 350 F. oven 6 to 8 minutes, or until done. 8. Remove from baking sheets; cool on wire racks. 9. Frost with Royal Icing; decorate as desired. Royal Icing 1. Combine confectioners' sugar, stiffly beaten egg white and vanilla in a howl until well blended; gradually add skim milk and beat until smooth. (If icing becomes stiff, beat in few more drops milk) 2. Tint as desired with a few drops food Colorin