1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp rum flavoring
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
frosting (see below)

Cream butter with flavorings. Gradually beat in sugar. Blend in egg. Sift flour, nutmeg and salt. Add to butter mixture well.

Shape pieces of dough on sugared board into long rolls, 1/2-inch diameter. Cut in 3-inch lengths and put on buttered cookie sheets.

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool. Spread frosting on top and sides of cookies. Mark frosting with tines of fork to resemble bark. Sprinkle lightly with additional nutmeg. Cookies may be frozen.

FROSTING:

1/3 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. rum flavoring
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp. light cream

Cream butter, vanilla and rum flavor. Blend in confectioners' sugar and light cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Submitted by: Gael Giles