Gingerbread Men Cookies

Directions

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until shortening melts.

Combine flour, soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon; add shortening mixture, stirring well.

Stir in molasses; chill 8 hours.

Divide dough in half; store 1 portion in refrigerator.

Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.

Cut with a 5-inch gingerbread man cutter, and place on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Press currants into dough for eyes, nose, and mouth.

Bake at 350℉ (180℃) F for 10 minutes.

Cool cookies 2 minutes on cookie sheets; remove to wire racks, and cool completely.

(Cookies will be soft.)

Repeat procedure with remaining dozen.

Note: You can always decorate cookies with icing, in this case, no need to use currents. Just bake cookies, let cool, then decorate to desired patterns.