1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup hot water

Blend shortening, brown sugar and egg. Beat. Stir in molasses.   Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, & cinnamon in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to shortening mixture alternately with hot water. Chill thoroughly. Drop by teaspoonful on greased cookie sheets. 

Bake for 8 - 9 minutes at 400°F.