Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line some cookie sheets with parchment.

Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, salt and cloves together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Cream shortening and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat in the egg and molasses. With a mixing spoon, stir in the flour mixture – stir until almost blended, then add oats and stir until fuflly blended.

Shape into small (about 1 inch) balls and if desired, roll in sugar. Place 12 to a cookie sheet and flatten slightly with palm of hand or bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 minutes, being careful not to overbake.