1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup pumpkin

1 cup sugar

1 egg -- slightly beaten

1 teaspoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose or unbleached flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup nuts -- optional

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees C).

2. Place the butter or margarine in a heatproof glass dish. Cover and

microwave on high power for 30 seconds. 3. In a large bowl,mix together pumpkin, sugar, melted butter or

margarine, beaten egg, milk and vanilla extract. 4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda,

cinamon and salt. Add to the pumpkin mixture, and mix until smooth. 5. Stir in the chocolate chips and, if you wish, nuts.

6. Drop from a teaspoon onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Line up

about 1 1/2 inches apart. 7. Bake for ten to 12 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Cool on baking sheet for two minutes or so. Then remove to a wire

rack to finish cooking. 9. Now you have about three dozen pumpkin cookies for Halloween!