In a large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. Mix well.
Add the shortening and with a pastry blender, cut in till combined. Store in an air tight container (It does not need to be refrigerated). Use the mix within 10-12 weeks (makes approx. 13 cups of mix).
TO MAKE THE COOKIES:
In a medium sized bowl, add 3 cups of mix, 1 egg slightly beaten and ⅓ cup molasses. Mix until blended.
Roll out on slightly floured surface or non-stick baking mat to ¼" thickness. Use desired sized gingerbread man (or woman) cookie cutter. Gently lift each cookie and place on a parchment or silpat lined cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes. For a softer cookie, don't bake too long.
FOR THE GLAZE:
In a small bowl mix together the powdered sugar, water and desired extract till smooth. Spread over slightly cooled cookie. Press 2 chocolate candies into the cookie if desired.
Recipe by Baked in AZ at http://bakedinaz.com/gingerbread-cookies/