In a large bowl, combine shortening and sugar;
mix well. Stir in molasses and water.
In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt,
baking soda, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and allspice.
Blend dry ingredients into shortening mixture.
Chill dough several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375F. On floured board, roll dough to
1/4" thickness. Cut in 3" circles, or shapes, if desired.
Sprinkle with sugar, if desired, and place on
well-greased baking sheet. Bake until they spring back
when lightly touched, 10-12 min.
Leave on baking sheet a few minutes before removing
to prevent breaking. Store in covered container.
Makes 3-4 dozen.