Ginger Bread Men and/or Women

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup packed dark brown sugar, or 1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar, or 3/4 Splenda
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup molasses
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
red sugar crystals (cake decorating decors)

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Cream together the sugars, shortening, molasses, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

3. In another large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.

4. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring as ingredients are added.

5. Roll some of the dough out on a heavily floured surface. Roll to under 1/4-inch thick.

6. Cut the cookies with desired cookie cutters.

7. Place cookies on an oiled cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes.

For best results, bake only one cookie sheet of cookies at a time.

NUTRITION:

100 calories, 3g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 1g protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium.