Combine sugar and honey in large mixing bowl,beating well. Add egg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt, beat well. Dissolve soda in water; add to honey mixture, stirring well. Stir in flour and almonds.

Press dough evenly into a greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into 3 x 1 inch bars. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool completely. Yield: about 3 dozen.

NOTE: cookies may be stored 3 to 4 weeks in a cake tin with an apple to mellow.