Gingerbread Men

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 1/4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 1/4 cups butter or margarine
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• Decorations: sugar crystals, red cinnamon candies, assorted decorator frosting

Preparation

1. Cook sugar, 3/4 cup water, syrup, and spices in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add butter, stirring until melted.
2. Combine baking soda and 1 tablespoon water; stir into sugar mixture. Pour sugar mixture into a bowl; gradually add flour, beating at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric mixer until blended. (Dough will be stiff.)
3. Divide dough into thirds. Roll one-third of dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 5 1/2-inch gingerbread man cutter, and place on lightly greased baking sheets.
4. Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 1 minute on pan; remove cookies to wire racks, and cool completely. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Decorate as desired.