Molasses Cookie Bars

There is nothing better than the smell of molasses baking in anything.  But mostly it reminds me of being back in my grandmother's kitchen.  It always amazes me that certain sights, smells and tastes remind me of my grandmother.  I am so glad that when I was a teenager I took the time to write her recipes down in a journal.  These recipes will always be with me. 

Molasses Cookie Bars

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Cream the shortening and brown sugar until well mixed.  Add the egg and molasses continue to mix until well incorporated. 

In separate bowl mix the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.   Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. 

Lightly grease a jelly roll pan.  Spread the cookie dough onto the pan.  Try to make it as even as possible.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  The center may still be a little "squishy" at the end of the 10 minutes.  It will continue to cook while cooling.  Cut in to bars when completely cool.