Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Melt shortening in large saucepan. Cool slightly. Add sugar, molasses and eggs to saucepan; mix well. Add 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 the dough firm. On floured surface, roll out to 1/4 in. thick. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 10 minutes or until browned around edges.

To make the royal icing, mix all ingredients together and blend on medium to high speed for about 7 minutes. Be sure to cover the icing with a wet cloth until ready to use and while using as it dries rather quickly.