1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. dark molasses
3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. water

Blend butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in the molasses. Sift flour, spices, salt and soda and add to the butter mixture, alternately with the water. Roll dough to make gingerbread men, women, children houses or even bears. Bake in a preheated oven for 8 minutes.