Marthas Gingerbread for Houses

Sift together dry ingredients. Melt shortening, about 4 min. Whisk in sugar and molasses. Mix well. Remove from heat. Stir in dry ingredients. Dough will be crumbly. Cool 10-15 minutes, wrap in plastic wrap.

Heat oven to 325 F. Roll dough out on parchment. Cut out shapes using templates. Bake on parchment on cookie sheets 30 minutes. Rotate trays 1/2-way through baking.

Log cabin and colonial farmhouse take 1 batch. Chicken coop takes 1 1/2.