Gingerbread Men Cookies

1/3 c Water

1/2 c Shortening

1/4 c Butter or margarine

4 1/2 c All-purpose flour

2 ts Baking soda

1 pn Salt

1 1/2 ts Ground ginger

1 ts Ground cinnamon

1 1/2 c Molasses

Currants Recipe by: Southern Living

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until shortening melts. Combine flour, soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon; add shortening mixture, stirring well. Stir in molasses; chill 8 hours. Divide dough in half; store 1 portion in

refrigerator. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 5-inch gingerbread man cutter, and place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Press currants into dough for eyes, nose, and mouth. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool cookies 2 minutes on cookie sheets; remove to wire racks, and cool completely. (Cookies will be soft.) Repeat procedure with remaining dozen. -----