Instructions

1. Into a medium bowl,m combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and allspice.  Set aside.
2. Melt the butter and shortening in a medium saucepan.  Remove from heat and add brown sugar and molasses.  Allow to cool.
3. Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat with a mixer until incorporated.  In batches, add flour mixture and stir just until combined.
4. Divide the dough in half, wrap in saran wrap and pat into a 1/2 inch thick disk and place into refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
5. Allow dough to come to room temperature
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 cookie sheets with a Silpat or parchment paper.
7. Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface into a 1/4" thickness.  Using a cookie cutter, cut shapes out of the dough. Arrange onto baking sheet and bake 10 minutes.
8. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes and then place onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Royal Icing

1. Sift the powdered sugar and meringue powder together into a large bowl.  Stir in the water and beat with a mixture, on medium speed, until soft peaks form.  Stir in food coloring.
2. Place into a piping bag and pipe on a scarf.  Add Sprinkles and allow to dry.