Pecan Fingers - Let the Holiday Baking Begin!

I feel it is time. The first snow has fallen, the radio stations are playing the holiday tunes and the lights (and now inflatable) decorations are out. Time to get my Fa la la on and get baking for the holidays. I bake year round but there is just something special about this time of year. I like to start early so everything is done to give out to my family and friends and I am less stressed. Wait, who am I kidding. I always just end up eating the early baking items and dashing at the end to whip up some more. This year (because of the blog) I am really trying to spend some time to make some items to give out to people this year. I can't say who because chances are they are reading this but let's just say if you want a chance to get some of the goods you better stay on Santa's (aka Baker Babe's) nice list.

Tonight I am making one of my favorites that comes from my mom via the church recipe book, Pecan Fingers with Orange Lemon Icing. Top reasons I love this recipe: 1. They are bar cookies so no shaping needed and if you like you can cut them really BIG. 2. It is an adult cookie that can be dressed up with different types of nuts or a splash of a little booze in the icing 3. They freeze really well. Enjoy!

Pecan Fingers with Orange Lemon Icing

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powered sugar
1 1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon each baking powder, salt, vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix butter and powdered sugar. Blend in the 1 1/2 cup flour. Press evenly into an ungreased 9x13 baking pan. Bake 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees. Mix the remaining ingredients; spread over hot baked layer and bake 20 minutes longer.

Icing
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons melted butter
3 Tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients until smooth and of spreading consistency. Spread cookies when warm.