Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/3  cup           molasses
     1/4  cup           shortening
   2      tablespoons   packed brown sugar
   1 1/4  cups          all purpose or whole wheat flour
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
     1/4  teaspoon      baking sodas
     1/4  teaspoon      baking powder
     1/4  teaspoon      cinnamon
     1/4  teaspoon      ginger
     1/4  teaspoon      cloves
   1      dash          nutmeg
   1      dash          allspice
   1      cup           confectioners sugar
     1/2  teaspoon      vanilla
   1      tablespoon    half and half -- may need 2-T
                        ***FROSTING***
   1      cup           confectioners sugar
     1/2  teaspoon      vanilla
     1/2  tablespoon    half and half -- up to 2-Tbsp

Preparation:

Mix molasses, shortening and brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and spices. Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm. Preheat oven to 375. Roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thickness or paper thin on a floured cloth covered surface. Cut into 3 inch rounds with floured cutter. Place about 1/2 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 1/8 inch cookes about 8 minutes; paper thin cookles about 5 minutes or until light brown, immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely To make frosting; Mix confectioners sugar, vanilla, 1/2 to 2 tablespoons half and half until of spreading consistency. Spread frosting on cooled cookies.