� cup sugar

� cup light molasses

1 � teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon allspice

2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

� cup butter (cut into chunks)

1 large egg, beaten

3 � cups all purpose flour

1. IN 3 quart saucepan, heat sugar, molasses, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, bring to boiling over medium heating, stir occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat, stir in baking soda (mixture will foam) stir in butter until melted. With fork, stir in egg, than flour

2. On floured surface, knead dough until mixed. Divide dough in half, wrap half in plastic wrap and set aside

3. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. With floured rolling pin, roll remaining half of dough slightly thinner than � inch. With floured 3-4 inch assorted cookie cutters, cut dough into cookies or gingerbread house pieces

4. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, bake gingerbread house for 12-15 minutes (must be harder). Repeat with remaining dough