Nancy Sango lived near me for ten years, and we were great friends. Then I moved away. She called them "Old Fashioned Molasses" cookies, which they are. I would call these cookies "Gingersnaps." By whatever name, molasses cookies have been around since Colonial times and before.

Nancy's Molasses Cookies

1 c shortening
1 and 1/2 c molasses
1/4 c sugar
4 c flour
salt if desired
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 and 1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1 egg

1. Cream together shortening and sugar.
2. Beat in egg, then stir in molasses.
3. Sift and add remaining dry ingredients.

4. Chill dough for one hour or more.
5. Shape into balls and roll in granulated sugar.

Bake at 350°