Gingerbread cookies

1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1 1/2 cups shortening 1 tablespoon salt 7 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups molasses 1/3 cup warm water 2 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger 2 1/2 teaspoons baking sodaCream first five ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. Chill about one hour or until dough is of a consistency that can be worked. Roll out dough to about 1/4-inch thick, then cut out into desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Let cookies cool and decorate with royal icing, candies, dried fruit, nuts, etc.Makes two to three dozen cookies, depending on size of cookies.