Soft Molasses Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoon of baking soda
2 tablespoons of hot water
1/2 cup of soft shortening
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of molasses
1 egg
6 tablespoons of cold water
1/2 cup of seedless raisins or dates

Sift together flour, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve soda in
hot water. Mix shortening, sugar, molasses, and egg until creamy.
Stir in flour mixture alternately with cold water, then add soda
and all but a few of the raisins or dates. Drop by rounded tablespoons
2 inches apart onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with remaining
fruit. Bake 12 minutes until done.