Blend:
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup solid shortening

Then add:
3/4 cup molassas
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice

Stir in:
2 tablespoons water
3 1/4 cups flour

Mix well. Chill in refrigerator before rolling out with rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick.

Cut pieces as planned. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Royal Icing "Glue" Recipe

2 egg whites (beat until frothy)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon cream of tartar