1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. dark molasses
3 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. water
Cinnamon candies
Raisins
Confectioners' sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, sugar, molasses, soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and salt together. Beat well. In a heavy duty mixer, add the flour to this mixture in 3 parts, alternating with water. Roll dough out on a floured board. Cut into gingerbread man shapes with cutter or cardboard pattern. Lay 2 inches apart on cookie sheet and decorate with raisins and candies. Dust with confectioners' sugar sifted through tea strainer if desired. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Yields 8 to 10 cookies, depending on size.