Melt shortening in a small saucepan, and allow to cool just to room temperature, but not set up.

Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats, and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In mixing bowl, beat together cooled shortening, 1 cup sugar, baking soda, ginger, salt, cloves, and cinnamon until smooth. Beat in molasses, egg, and milk. Whip for a minute, and then beat in vinegar. Beat for two more minutes.

Stir in flour.

Roll into 1-inch ball, and place onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Rub a little butter on the bottom of a flat drinking glass, and then dip the glass in 2 tablespoons of sugar. Use the sugar-coated glass bottom to half-way flatten each ball, dipping the glass back into the sugar between each one.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely that the edges don’t start to get dark.

Cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes, and then transfer to wire cooling rack.