1. In a mixer bowl with a flat beater attached add granulated sugar and shortening and set to speed 4 until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in egg, molasses and vinegar.

3. In a large bowl mix together flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cloves and salt.

4. Now reduce the speed to stir and mix in the flour mixture, in 3 additions.

5. Divide the dough into 3 disks and wrap with plastic.

6. Refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours.

To prepare the frosting:

7. In a mixer bowl with the flat beater attached and set to speed 4, beat butter until smooth and creamy.

8. Reduce the speed, mix in vanilla and confectioners sugar in 2 additions. Set frosting aside.

9. Preheat your oven to 375 F.

10. Flour your work surface and your rolling pin as well.

11. Work with one disk at a time. Roll out dough to an 1/8 inch thickness.

12. Using a cookie cutter, cut out your shapes and place them at least 2 inches apart on a baking sheet

13. Cookies will take about 5 minutes to cook

14. Then transfer to a cooling rack.

15. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting.