No-Molasses Gingerbread

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup cane syrup

1/2 cup butter -- softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs -- lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup water

* Combine soda and syrup; set aside.

* Beat butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beati ng well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in syrup mixture.

* Combine flour and next 4 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with water, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix after each addition.

* Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack at least 10 minutes before serving.