Cookies and Cocktails | No-Bake Rum Balls, Money's Eggnog, and Winter hikes
Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read
December 20th 2025
Postcards from My Montana Kitchen
Christmas is just days away.
Don’t fret, I’m here to distract you a moment.
The holiday's come with many joys around the kitchen, but it's important to get out and feed your body more than milk and cookies. Today, we'll explore off-season hiking in glacier and a winter bean salad, along with more cheerful treats.
Rockin' around the winter park
Earlier this week, I posted about wonderful places to explore during the winter in Glacier National Park. Having hiked, snowshoed and cross-country skied in and around the park in the bleak midwinter, I thought it was time to share all of these secret spots with you in one article. I’ve filled it with pictures and helpful tips on everything from where to wander to the best places to grab a bite near the park.
We hiked as recently as Thanksgiving week up to Avalanche Lake and enjoyed a snowstorm as we hurried back to our vehicle. Don't miss exploring Glacier in all four seasons.
We're back with more boozy treats to warm your spirits. Whether you prefer an egg-free Shortbread Dipped in Chocolate or a Peppermint Bark Cookie, both are easy bakes with a classic, joyful taste. Don't have time to fuss with the oven? See how to make No-bake Rum Balls below!
Now milk is great, but the twinkle of lights calls for something bright. Eggnog is a holiday staple, but for a bright break, try a cheers to my Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Fizz, or Glühwein-German Sweet Mulled Wine which I learned outside in the cold Christmas market streets of Germany with a warm mug and laughter.
Rum Balls
No-bake cookies
Chocolaty, boozy crushed cookies you'll go nuts for!
Consider a Gift of Preserving Wild Places this year
As a Board of Trustees member for Vital Ground. I have been involved with Vital Ground, a land trust focused on protecting and preserving critical lands for grizzly bears, and other wildlife, by connecting habitats throughout the Northern Rockies, for almost 15 years.
We are currently working on one of our largest projects ever: The ONE Landscape initiative. Please take a moment and watch, as it talks about these critical wild places and what we can do to protect them for future generations.
White bean salad with winter fruit. This simple bean salad takes only minutes to whip together and is the perfect fresh salad to enjoy during the dark winter months.
Eating healthy is so important this time of year when we are tempted by treats, drinks and all the fun foods at parties and celebrations.
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups baby spinach and kale
1 persimmon, stem removed, diced
½ cup green apple, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
¼ cup marcona almonds or toasted cashews with sesame (Trader Joe’s)
⅛ cup fresh mint leaves
2 tsp fresh dill, minced
2 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP rosé vinegar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp “Everything but the bagel” seasonings
Method:
Toss the mixture with the oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
Chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
I wish you and your family the very happiest of holidays.
Merry Christmas!
Next time: Look for my New Year’s Champagne cocktails and my annual list of Champagnes under $100.
Click for Cran-Champagne Recipe
See you next time!
Meggen Wilson
Pine and Palm Kitchen | Wild Montana Foods, Founder
