Favorite Things & Christmas Cookie X-change Week 2

It's the 2nd week of the Christmas Cookie X-change, but there is also a link up that I just couldn't pass up!
So today you are getting both all in one little giant post :)

First, let's link up with Erika @ A little bit of everything and Andrea @ Never say never for a
Favorite Things Party!
What is your favorite thing under $10?

Mine? I have a few things that I think are pretty awesome and under $10.
First, Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte :)

There aren't many things that can put a smile on my face for the entire day that are under $4!

An all-in-one meal of the chicken burrito at Chipotle is under $7!

And my last item is my Redbook magazine subscription :)

One year is only $8!!! It is packed with fashion, beauty, recipes, and more!

Now onto some of my other favorite things...

Christmas Recipes :)

Today I decided to mix things up and give you a cookie, fudge, and pie recipe that I like to make every year :)

Scottish Shortbread

This stuff is heavy, but SO good! Mic and I both have some Scottish blood in us, so this is a no brainer over the holidays. Plus, people almost always indulge in the really bad for them desserts "just because" it is the holidays.

Ingredients
1 pound of butter - softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter in a large bowl until smooth. Beat in sugar until well blended. Add flour, one cup at a time. A wooden spoon works best, but the final cup you may need to incorporate by hand mixing. Dough will be very stiff. Spread batter into a 9x13in baking pan, pressing down evenly to all edges. Using the tines of a fork, go around the edges pressing tines against the edge. Then with tines prick multiple scattered vent holes throughout dough.
Bake for 45-60 minutes until golden brown. Upon removal from the oven, immediately cut into small 2" pieces but leave in the pan to cool. Store in a cookie tin.

Peanut Butter Fudge

I have enjoyed this fudge recipe for more years than I can honestly remember. A beautiful women who lost her battle with cancer not too long ago made this for me every time she saw me :) It literally melts in your mouth! My mom's dear friend Kate gave me this recipe at one of my bridal showers and I was so excited to receive it. I have never had any fudge better than this recipe! And that is coming from a girl who used to work at Malley's Chocolates!

Ingredients
4 cups sugar
1 stick margarine
1 7oz. marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 small 8oz. jar of peanut butter (Jif)
1 12oz. can carnation milk

Directions
Place sugar, margarine, and milk in a large pan and bring to a full boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes - stirring constantly as the mixture scorches easily. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and marshmallow creme. Blend well. Pour into greased 9x13in. pan and allow to cool completely.

Pecan Pie

Every year my family raves about my Pecan Pie that I make for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Honestly, I don't eat it but I will take their word for it (and the fact that the pie plate is always empty). My secret? I add a ton of pecans! I mean like 2-3 cups more than the normal recipe calls for. The end result...devoured by all :)

Also, I no longer make my own pie crust since X is around, but up until 2 years ago I did. Now I just use the Pillsbury or Kroger brand pie crust.

Filling Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
A pinch of table salt
1 cup pecan halves
(I use 2-3 cups pecans, and even add a few on top right before baking.)

Directions
Beat eggs, then add sugar, corn syrup and a little salt. Beat well. Stir in butter, add vanilla and nuts. Pour into unbaked pastry shell. Here is where I add a few extra pecans to the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Now it is your turn! Grab my button and link up below to share your favorite recipes :)

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