All great holidays should end on a sweet note - especially Thanksgiving. Here are a few variations on some traditional favorites. Holiday Butter Cake with Broiled Icing has a hint of spice and everything nice. Pumpkin Layer Pie is so good you don't even have to top with whipped cream (I said you don't have to, but I'd do it anyway!).

Next week: Turkey leftovers! Happy eating!

Holiday Butter Cake with Broiled Icing

1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 eggs, beaten 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground or freshly grated nutmeg 1 cup buttermilk Topping: 6 tablespoons melted butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup flaked coconut

Cream butter, shortening, and granulated sugar; add eggs and vanilla and beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat until well blended. Pour batter into greased and floured 13x10x2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Combine topping ingredients; spread over warm cake then brown under the broiler, about 5 inches from heat source.

Pumpkin Layer Pie

Crust: 1 cup gingersnap crumbs, about 20 to 24 cookies 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 3 tablespoons melted butter Cream Cheese Layer: 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg Pumpkin Layer: 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree 1/3 cup evaporated milk 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger dash ground nutmeg dash salt

Combine gingersnap crumbs, pecans and butter. Press into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Combine softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla, blending with electric mixer. Blend in egg. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Combine remaining ingredients in another bowl; mix to blend well. Pour over cream cheese mixture. Bake at 325° for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until set. Chill. Serve with whipped topping or whipped cream.