1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
½ cup water
½ cup dark corn syrup
4 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
*Colored icing

Combine sugar, spices, water and corn syrup in small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour over butter in large mixing bowl. Stir until butter melts; cool to lukewarm. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add in butter mixture; mix well. Cover and refrigerate dough overnight. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with floured gingerbread people cutters. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 12-15 minutes or until golden. Cool completely on wire racks; Decorate as desired with icing.