Gingerbread Men

My brother and I used to make these with our elderly neighbor, Mrs. Rawls. She was like our grandmother. Of course, we didn't really make the dough, she did. But we helped cut them out and we also definitely helped with the eating. These are really soft, chewy and delicious. After Mrs. Rawls passed away, my mother always made these at Christmas. We have continued the tradition in our household and deliver them to  families we minister to and other friends each year. 

1/4 cup boiling water 

1/2 cup butter 

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1/2 cup molasses 

3 cups flour 

1 tsp. soda 

1 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. ginger 

1/2 tsp. nutmeg 

1/8 tsp cloves 

 In one bowl, sift dry ingredients (except sugar) together. In another bowl, pour boiling water over butter. Add sugar and molasses. Mix liquid well. Add dry ingredients to liquid and stir until combined in a ball. Wrap in plastic and chill. Cut with cookie cutter shapes. Bake 10 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Ice with a glaze made of hot water, 1 tsp. of butter melted, and powdered sugar. Decorate as you like.