4 cups unbleached, all purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2/3 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
2/3 cup unsulfured molasses
1 pound confectioners' sugar
3 large egg whites
1 drop lemon juice or vinegar
Food coloring
Raisins, currants, nutmeats, colored sugar, sprinkles and other decorations