Gingerbread Boys (People, really)

  I'm getting excited- making this recipe for some little girls I'm babysitting for tonight.  It's such a fun holiday recipe.  I have a feeling we will be making more "princesses" than "boys" tonight... And don't underestimate the amount of fun that adults have whacking and molding the dough, either!  

 

1 c. sugar                     1 1/2 t. soda

1 c. margarine              1 t. salt

1 egg                            1 t. ginger

1 scant c. molasses      1/2 t. ground cloves

3 T. vinegar                   1/2 t. cinnamon

5 c. plain flour

 

Cream sugar and margarine.  Add egg, molasses and vinegar.  Add dry ingredients and mix well.  Cover and chill dough for several hours.

 

To make "boys" and "girls":  Using small pieces of dough, make 1 flattened ball for head and 2 strips for legs and arms. Assemble on greased cookie sheets.  Decorate with raisins for eyes and nose and cherry slice for a mouth.  Bake for 10 to 15 mins. at 350 degrees.  Dough keeps well in fridge in a Ziploc bag.