Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup molasses (warmed)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons warm water
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 oz. confectioners sugar
• 1-2 tbs. milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• food coloring if desired