From Schooner Fare, the cookbook of the Maine Windjammer Isaac H. Evans, Rockland, Maine, written by ship's cook Erma Colvin (c. 1985)

These are famous cookies traditionally taken to sea by sailors. Ginger, being a natural sea-sickness preventative, was and is very popular aboard ship.

Makes 2-(4) doz. (quantities for 4 doz. are in parentheses)

2-(4) C. Flour
1-(2) Tbls. Ground ginger
1-(2) tsp. Baking soda
1-(2) tsp. Cinnamon
½-(1) tsp. Salt

¾-(1 ½) C. Shortening
1-(2) C. Sugar
1-(2) Eggs
¼ - (1/2) C. Molasses

Combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, combine shortening, sugar, egg(s) and molasses. Add to flour mixture. Mix thoroughly. Roll into small balls. Flatten* onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Underbake if you like them chewy.

*For Christmas, we slightly flatten with a juice glass whose base has been greased and dipped into granulated sugar. A sparkle or two of sugar just makes them a little ‘dressy’; otherwise, these are excellent as is.