Gingerbread Rabbit Part 2

The book makes me laugh out loud.  The rabbit has raisin eyes, almond nose, and a cherry mouth.  In the story the gingerbread rabbit sees his reflection in a window and says, "Why, I'm beautiful!"  "How round my mouth is, and how crinkly my eyes are, and what a slender delicate nose I have.  You've got to admit it would be a terrible thing to eat a nose like that."

In case you didn't know, I have the best gingerbread recipe.  It took me years to find and perfect it.  Now it is my mission to rid the world of terrible gingerbread cookies. 

Heidi's Supreme Gingerbread

1/2 c. shortening

2 1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. molasses (I like the light)

1 egg

1 Tablespoon vinegar (I like apple cider)

1 t. baking powder (I use Argo aluminum free)

1 t. ground ginger

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. ground cloves

Beat shortening 30 seconds then add half the flour and remaining ingredients.  After well combined add remaining flour.  Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill three hours. 

Divide dough in half and roll out on floured surface to 1/8 - 1/4 thickness. Cut with cutters and place on ungreased Airbake cookie sheet one inch apart.  Mind the distance between cookies as they puff up considerably. 

Bake in oven pre-heated to 375 degrees for 10 minutes.  Cool on sheet for one minute then cool remainder of time on rack.  Decorate. 

I rarely frost these cookies.  Use powdered sugar, butter and milk or other flavoring.  I have used Kahlua or vanilla.  For these rabbits I used lemon juice which was perfect.