Soft Molasses Cookies
---------------------

1/3 c. soft shortening (I use Crisco)
2/3 c. dark brown sugar
1 egg
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 t. baking powder
3/4 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ground cardamom
1/3 t. ground cloves
1/3 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. salt
1/3 c. dark molasses
1/3 c. hot water
1/3 t. baking soda
granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (325 if using convection).

In large bowl of food processor, cream shortening and brown sugar.  
Add egg; pulse until combined into creamed mixture.

In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, spices, and salt; 
mix well with wire whisk.

Add flour to sugar mixture in food processor bowl.  Add molasses 
and hot water.  Process until combined.  Add baking soda; pulse 3-4
times until thoroughly mixed.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets (I use non-stick
Teflon sheets that do not require greasing), about 2" apart.  
Sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Bake about 9-11 minutes, or until cookies are set.  Remove from oven; 
cool on baking sheet 2 minutes.  Remove from baking sheet to wire 
rack until thoroughly cooled.

Store in airtight container.

Makes about 3 dozen.