Preheat Oven to 350

In a large bowl mix together all the dry ingredients.. flour, cinnamon, ginger, clove , baking soda, and salt

In a separate bowl cream together the shortening, eggs, brown sugar, and molasses

Once the molasses mixture is blended well add the dry mixture a cup at a time to it.

Once the dough is blended scoop out 1 1/2 tablespoons and roll the dough into balls**using a cookie scoop keeps the cookies the same size**

Roll the dough balls in colored sugar careful not to mix colors if using more than one

Place sugar coated dough balls on a parchment lined cookie sheet

Bake cookies in a preheated oven for 9-11 minutes

Allow the cookies to cool for 4-5 minuted on the cookie sheet then transfer them to a cooling rack