Giant Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

I admit--this blog is just here so I can find this recipe next time I want it.  Don't fool yourselves into thinking I write these things for your benefit.

Bree's Silly Griffindor

Giant Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups molasses
2 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 325 °F.  Lightly spray pan with vegetable pan spray.  Thoroughly mix flour, soda, salt, and spices.  Melt shortening in large saucepan.  Cool slightly.  Add sugar, molasses, and eggs; mix well.  Add 4 cups dry ingredients and mix well.

Turn mixture onto lightly floured surface.  Knead in remaining dry ingredients by hand.  Add a little more flour, if necessary, to make a firm dough.  Divide dough into two equal parts (recipe makes 2 giant cookies).  Press dough portion into prepared pan.  Bake 23-25 minutes.  Cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes.  Turn pan over to release and cool completely.