holiday treats -- two

the snow has stopped. the sun is out. but the cold has settled in. i woke up this morning knowing it was going to be cold outside -- around 9 degrees, feels like -9 degrees with the windchill -- but i didn't expect to see my kitchen windows iced over. (with the ice on the inside of the windows!)

now, don't worry! we've got very good heating. so, baby girl and i are not freezing. but we are staying indoors. and making treats for my friends' holiday cookie party tomorrow.

now two days ago, i was itching to make a holiday treat. and it may be a couple weeks passed its season, but i made martha stewart's pumpkin cookies with brown-butter icing.


the first dozen mr. pike and i ate without frosting (since i hadn't made it yet). the cookie is moist and cakey. the flavor of the pumpkin mixed with cinnamon, ginger, and freshly grated nutmeg will send you to heaven. it is so delicious!

once we frosted the cookies, it really tempered our eating! the icing is so good and oh, so rich! it takes these delectable cookies to almost sinful! i topped some of our cookies with chopped walnuts.

these pumpkin treats are worth adding to your holiday fare. (and if you prefer your pumpkin at thanksgiving, don't forget to make these then!)