Molasses and Apple Jelly Cookies

Ingredients

• • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) boiling water
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) vegetable shortening, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) molasses
  • 3 1/2 cups (875 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (250 ml) apple jelly, at room temperature