2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, ginger and cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
ROYAL ICING:
8 cups confectioners' sugar
2/3 cup water
6 tablespoons meringue powder
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Paste food coloring of your choice
Recipe
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. gingerbread boy-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on wire racks.
For icing, in a large mixing bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water, meringue powder and cream of tartar; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Tint with food coloring. (Keep unused icing covered at all times with a damp cloth. If necessary, beat again on high speed to restore texture.)
Frost and decorate cookies as desired. For mummy bandages, use basket weave pastry tip #46. For small detailed decorations, use round pastry tip #1 or #2. Yield: 3 dozen. Editor’s Note: Meringue powder is available from Wilton Industries. Call 1-800/794-5866 or visit www.wilton.com. Use of a coupler ring will allow you to easily change pastry tips for different designs.