COOKIES:

3 c. flour
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. rum flavoring

FROSTING:

3 tbsp. butter (softened)
1/2 tsp. rum flavoring
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp. cream or milk
Food coloring (optional)

Cookies: In a mixing bowl, stir together flour and nutmeg. In a large bowl, beat butter for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and rum flavoring until combined. Add dry ingredients and beat well.

Shape dough into 3 inch long logs, about 1/2 inch wide. Arrange on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on racks.

Meanwhile prepare the rum frosting. Frost tops of the cooked cookies. Mark frosting lengthwise with fork to resemble bark. Sprinkle with additional nutmeg. Makes 4 1/2 dozen.

Frosting; Beat together softened butter, rum and vanilla. Beat in 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar. Gradually add more sifted powdered sugar (about 2 cups) and cream or milk. Beat until frosting spreads easily. Tint with green coloring.