Gingerbread House Dough

Ingredients

Amount		Ingredient	Preparation
2	cups	vegetable shortening	(no substitutes)
2	cups	sugar
2	cups	blackstrap molasses	dark
2	teaspoons	cinnamon	ground
2	tablespoons	ginger	ground
2	teaspoons	baking soda
1	teaspoon	salt
9	cups	flour, all-purpose	up to 10 cups

Directions

In a 5 quart pan, heat shortening, sugar and molasses on low, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.

Add cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough can be formed
into a ball.

Using remaining flour, lightly flour a wooden board. Turn dough onto the board; knead until even in color and smooth (not crumbly or dry), adding more flour if needed.

Form into a log. Cut into 5 equal pieces; wrap in plastic wrap.