In a mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat until combined, scraping bowl. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vinegar until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill for 3 hours or until easy to handle.

Grease a cookie sheet; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thick. Using a 2-1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut into desired shapes. Place 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet.

Bake in a 375 degrees F oven for 5 to 6 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. If desired, decorate cookies with icing and candies. Makes 36 to 48 cookies.