1 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 tsp. rum extract
3 c. all-purpose flour

In mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Add the nutmeg, egg and extracts; mix thoroughly. Stir in flour. If necessary, chill dough for easier handling. On a lightly floured surface, shape dough into 1/2-inch diameter rolls; cut each into 3-inch-long pieces. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

FROSTING:

1/4 c. butter
3 c. confectioners sugar, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 tsp. rum extract
2 tbsp. light cream
Ground nutmeg

Cream butter until light and fluffy. aDd 2 cups sugar and extracts; mix well. Beat in cream and remaining sugar. Frost cookies. With tines of a small fork, make lines down the frosting to simulate bark. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Yield: 4 1/2 dozen