QandAs: Food

Gingerbread House Dough

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

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.