Mix sugar and molasses with melted lard or Crisco, 1 beaten egg, ginger, cinnamon, 1/2 cup hot water, soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir well. Add flour.
Makes a soft dough. Knead and cut with cookie cutter.
Bake in 350 degree oven. Cooking time depends on oven and how soft or crisp and size of cookies. for regular shape gingerbread people about 6 inches a bake 8 to 10 min
When cookies are cold can be frosted if desired.
Recipe submitted by Joyce on 5/8/00