Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour pan. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Beat in egg; stir in molasses; set aside. In small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Blend into the butter mixture. Stir in the hot water. Divide evenly among wells in pan, filling each well only 3/4 full. Tap gently on counter-top to remove air bubbles. Bake 23-28 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan. Invert onto cooling rack and cool completely. Decorate as desired. If there is extra batter, fill pan with remaining batter and repeat. Makes about 6 cakes.