Gingerbread house

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark molasses
2 tablespoons cold water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt.

Cream together shortening, sugar, molasses, 
and water. Sift together flour, spices, and 
salt.  Add dry ingredients to shortening mix-
ture and mix well.  Dough will be stiff. Chill
at least one hour.  Grease or spray mold with
vegetable spray.  Press dough into the mold.
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for
25 minutes.  Let gingerbread cool in the
mold for 10 minutes.  Carefully remove each 
piece of gingerbread to cooling rack, flat 
side down.  Repeat with other side, front,
roof and chimney (it is not necessary to 
repeat people and trees).  It is better to bake
gingerbread a day ahead of assembling to 
allow for stiffening.  Assemble and decorate.

from Kelli Tracy