Old-fashioned gingerbread

butter,softened1/2 cup sugar1 egg1 cup light molasses2½ cups flour1½ tsp baking soda1 tsp ground cinnamon2 tsp ground ginger1/2 tsp ground cloves1/2 tsp salt1 cup hot waterwarm applesauce(optional)whipped cream(optional)nutmeg (optional)