Ingredients 2 cups shortening, (no substitutes) 2 cups sugar 2 cups dark molasses 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground 2 tablespoons ginger, ground 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 9 cups flour, up to 10 cups, all-purpose
Directions: In a 5 quart pan, heat shortening, sugar and molasses on low, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Add cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough can be formed into a ball. Using remaining flour, lightly flour a wooden board. Turn dough onto the board; knead until even in color and smooth (not crumbly or dry), adding more flour if needed. Form into a log. Cut into 5 equal pieces; wrap in plastic wrap.