In many New England households, Christmas means plates full of gingerbread men. This recipe isn’t only easy, it’s also very good.
1/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup butter or lard
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
Pour water over butter or lard and add sugar and molasses. Sift together flour, soda, salt, and spices and beat into sugar mixture. Chill thoroughly. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roll dough thin and cut into shapes with cookie cutter. Bake 8 to 10 minutes.