A Holiday Lake -- Eggnog Cookies

An fisherman stakes out his spot off the island in the middle of December.

Ice came early to Clear Lake this year. Official ice in was declared on November 13. The second earliest on record.  The earliest was November 4, 1981.  It firmed up quickly. Snowmobiles scurried around near the shore by the second week in December.  Ice shacks appeared right before Christmas.

But how long will it last?  We've had a couple of light snowstorms and lately the highs have been above 32!  Have not seen any cars or truck out.  The aerators are working.  Winter is here and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts.

It is also Eggnog Season. For those who can't get enough, here's a recipe for a tasty cookie. Make up the dough in rolls to slice-and-bake when you want a nice touch of holiday spirit.

A simple cookie with a taste that improves with time.

Frosted Eggnog Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 cup commercial eggnog
1teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
5 1/2 cups flour

Note: there are no eggs in this recipe.

Cream butter and sugar, blend in eggnog. Stir in baking soda, cream of tartar, nutmeg, and two cups of flour. Blend in the rest of the flour. Form into 4 logs, about 10-inches long.Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours or up to three days. Dough rolls can be put in freezer plastic bags and frozen for months. When ready to bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Unwrap and slice into 1/8-inch slices. Place an inch apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until set and lightly browned around the edges. Remove to wire rack and cool. Frost

Frosting--enough for entire batch--cut down if you only bake off part of the recipe.

1/4 cup melted butter
3 cups confectioner's sugar
1/3 cup eggnog

Combine the butter and sugar, stir in eggnog.