Gingerbread Boys

makes 4 dozen 5-inch tall Gingerbread Boys

• 3½ cups sifted AP flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1½ tsp ginger
• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup molasses
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 1 egg
• white, red, and green confectioner’s icing
• red and green sugar
• red cinnamon candies & silver dragees

1. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
2. Cream shortening, gradually beat in sugar. Stir in molasses and vinegar.
3. Add egg and beat until well mixed. Slowly stir in sifted dry ingredients, mix well. Chill at least 4 hours.
4. On a lightly floured board, roll out dough to ⅛-inch thick. Cut with a gingerbread boy cutter.
5. Bake on greased cookie sheets at 375°for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly and remove to rack.
6. When cold, decorate with icing, sugar, and candies.