1 1/2 cups of shortening (I used butter flavored Crisco sticks)
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup of dark molasses
4 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
some finely grated ginger (this is an addition from Michelle's mother, so there isn't an exact amount, I would say I added about a teaspoon, and the cookies were very gingery)

cream the shortening and sugar

Add the molasses and eggs and mix until well blended

Sift the flour and measure 4 1/2 cups

Add the spices, salt, and baking soda and whisk to combine

Turn the mixer to low or stir, and add the flour slowly until well mixed. Stir in the freshly grated ginger and chill the dough for at least an hour

roll tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls and roll the balls in the turbinado sugar

dough balls about an inch apart on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes in a 350 degree ove