Recipe sourced and adapted from The Cookie Company, Omaha, NE.

Gingerbread Roll-Out Dough

1 cup margarine
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup molasses
1/3 cup hot water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
5 cups flour

1. Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy (use a mixer, if you like).

2. Add egg, molasses and hot water. Stir together.

3. Add baking soda and spices and stir again.

4. Stir in flour, one or two cups at a time, until dough is workable with hands.

5. Knead dough a little on floured surface.

6. Roll to desired thickness and cut out gingerbread men or other cut outs. Decorate with currant eyes or cinnamon candy, if desired.

7. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350*F for 8 to 10 minutes.

8. Cool and decorate as desired with icing or candy.