Ginger Cutouts (great for gingerbread boys and girls)

Special note:

If your flour is dense and heavy, use only 3 to 3 1/4 cups of flour.

3  1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 1/4 teaspoons ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margerine
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molassses
2 teaspoons grated orange rind

Sift together dry ingredients.  Cream butter or margarine and sugar until light and 
fluffy.  Beat in unbeaten egg.  Stir in molasses and orange rind.  
Gradually blend in dry ingredients.  You will have to blend by hand the last of 
the dry ingredients.  (Do not add any liquid)   Chill overnight.
Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured board.  Cut into fancy shapes.  
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet in a 375° oven 8-10 minutes.  When cool frost and decorate
as desired.  Makes about 6 dozen cookies.