This recipe is here in memory of Joan, my mother-in-law, who passed away this last May. Joan was always asked by Mark, Jean, Ellen and Kimberley to make these cookies at Christmas time. So they became a Saskatoon Stewart tradition, one that I’m happy to record. Maybe if I can borrow an egg, I’ll even make some this year in memory of Joan.
Joan’s Nutmeg Logs
Dough
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. butter
3/4 c. white sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
Frosting
1 1/4 c. icing sugar
2 tbsp. butter
2-3 tbsp. dark rum (for those of us without rum around I’m sure the following substitutions are acceptable: 1/2 to 1 tsp. non-alcoholic vanilla or rum extract OR 2 tbsp. pineapple juice or syrup flavored with almond extract)
extra freshly grated nutmeg to baker’s taste
Method
In small bowl sift flour and nutmeg, set aside. In large bowl, cream together butter & sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg & vanilla extract. Gradually stir in flour. Form pieces of dough into long 1/2″ thick ropes. Cut ropes into 3″ pieces. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. until just brown on bottom.
Icing is made by creaming butter and icing sugar, then stirring in flavouring until creamy smooth. Spread on top of cooled logs, drag with fork tines and sprinkle with nutmeg. Optional decoration is red and green cherries.