Gingerbread Men

1/2 cup creamed shortening
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of dark molasses
1 medium egg
2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ginger and ground cloves (each)
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Mix together the shortening, sugar, and molasses. Next, add egg and beat completely. Combine all dry ingredients and add to the creamed ingredients--using 1/2 cup increments. Beat well after each addition. Refrigerate the dough until cold. Roll out until the dough is about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to form the
figures. Place in a 350F oven and back for 10 - 12 minutes. Yields about 3 - 4 dozen.