Ginger Snaps (drop) Aunt Hilda (Nelson)

1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon ginger

1 cup shortening 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup molasses 1 egg

1 teaspoon salt About 3 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup hot water

Mix sugar, molasses and shortening, add soda dissolved in hot water. Add as much flour as can be stirred in (not kneaded). Pinch off pieces (small), roll in balls and flatten. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. This recipe came from Uncle Ralph's mother's cousin's wife and is 100 years old.