Does anyone else feel slightly guilty eating Gingerbread Men?

They may be one of the most labor intensive Christmas cookies out there.

The dough (which of course requires the stickiest, messiest ingredient EVER: molasses) must be chilled. Then the little guys must be cut out of flattened dough, which is painful to roll without tons of flour. Only a few can be baked at a time so they have room on the pan to "grow" in the oven. And finally, they are dressed, which ain't easy -- it's tough to be delicate with a tube of frosting.

But it's all worth it.

They're classic and a holiday-time must. It's a shame we've created these little people to pop in our mouths. Well, almost a shame. They're pretty tasty ...

Next week is our last installment of holiday cookies. The "One Teaspoon from Disaster" blog needs recipes to serve house guests. This is the time of year when we call have company, right? Maybe some good brunch dishes or a casserole to feed the masses. E-mail me your recipes by CLICKING HERE

Gingerbread Cookies
1 C. shortening
1 C. sugar
1 egg
1 C. molasses
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
4 3/4 C. flour
1 tsp. cloves, ground
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, molasses and vinegar and beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients. Chill at least three hours or overnight. Roll on slightly floured surface. Cut with cutter. Bake eight minutes at 350 degrees. Cool slightly, remove. When cool, decorate.