Iced molasses cookies

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
  
       Title: Iced Molasses Cookies
  Categories: Cookies
       Yield: 84 servings
  
       1 c  Molasses
       1 c  White sugar
       1 c  Shortening
       1 c  Hot water
       3 ts Baking soda
       1 ts Ground ginger
       2 ts Cinnamon
       6 c  (approx.) flour; sifted
            Frosting-
       2    Egg whites
       3 c  Confectioners sugar
     1/2 ts Vanilla
            Food coloring (optional)
  
      In a large bowl, mix molasses, sugar, shortening and hot water. Stir to
   combine thoroughly, although shortening doesn't need to melt completely.
      In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, ginger and cinnamon with 4 cups of
   flour. Mix into liquids, stirring to blend well. Gradually add enough of
   the additional flour to make a dough stiff enough to roll. Chill 1-2 hours
   before baking.
      Preheat oven to 350.   Grease cookie sheets.  Roll out dough to about
   1/6-inch thick and cut shapes with your favorite cookie cutter. Bake 8-11
   minutes until done. Cool completely and frost with decorative frosting.
   Cookies can also be dusted with decorative sugar or sprinkles prior to
   baking.
     To make frosting, beat egg whites until frothy, then beat in sugar and
   vanilla.  If you like, separate the icing into several bowls and add a drop
   or two of food coloring. To yellow, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract. Yield:
   7-10 dozen, depending on size of cookie cutters. Martina Boudreau, St.
   Louis, MO
  
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