Sourdough Spice Cookies with Maple Frosting

1/4 cup soft shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sourdough starter
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon hot water
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger

Mix together the shortening, brown sugar, egg, molasses and sourdough starter. To this add baking soda dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water.

Sift together flour, salt, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, and add to the first mixture. Drop by teaspoon onto lightly greased cookie sheet and bake about 10 minutes in 350 degree F oven.

When cool, frost with Maple Frosting.

Maple Frosting: Blend thoroughly 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring and 2 tablespoons cream or milk.