preheat the oven to 350f line a baking sheet with parchment paper', 'cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer or hand-held mixer on medium speed until smooth', 'add the egg and beat until incorporated', 'add the vanilla , baking soda , and salt and beat until smooth', 'in a food processor or blender , combine the oats and pecan pieces and pulse several times to grind', 'add this to the dough and beat until incorporated', 'the dough will be stiff but sticky', 'drop the dough by the teaspoonful , about 3 inches apart , onto the prepared sheet pan', 'flatten the dough slightly with your finger', 'bake for 6 minutes until lightly golden', 'remove from the oven , carefully remove from the sheet , and let cool completely on wire racks', 'repeat the process until all the dough is used , relining the sheet each time with new parchment'

beat together eggs , juice , milk , sugar nutmeg and vanilla', 'place sliced bread in to large , flat dish so that the edges are touching', 'pour milk mixture over bread , making sure to coat as much of each piece as you can', 'cover and refrigerate overnight , turning once', 'when ready to cook , preheat oven to 400 degrees', 'pour melted butter onto a cookie sheet with edges and spread it evenly', 'arrange the soaked bread in a single layer on the cookie sheet', 'sprinkle with pecan pieces and orange peel , if using', 'bake 20 to 25 minutes', 'serve with fresh fruit , syrup , or powdered sugar'

place raisins and rum , in a small microwaveable bowl', 'microwave , uncovered , on high for 1 minute to warm raisins so they will soak up brandy', 'stir , then set aside', 'preheat oven to 350f', 'in a large mixing bowl , using electric mixer or spoon , beat butter with sugar until creamy', 'beat in vanilla', 'in another bowl , use a fork to blend 2 1 / 4 cups flour with salt', 'gradually stir into butter mixture press into ungreased 10x15-inch jelly roll pan', 'bake in center of oven until lightly golden , about 10 minutes', 'meanwhile , whisk eggs in a large bowl', 'add corn syrup , brown sugar , and the last 2 tablespoons of flour', 'stir until mixed', 'stir in raisins and any remaining brandy , nuts and candied fruit', 'spread over partially baked warm crust , evenly distributing nuts and fruit', 'bake in center of oven until it starts to set in the middle , from 20-25 minutes', 'i find 20-22 minutes is usually enough', 'set pan on rack to cool , then cut into bars', 'store in a covered container in a cool dry place , they will keep well for at least a week and can be frozen'

beat shortening at medium until fluffy', 'gradually add 1 1 / 2 cup sugar , beating well', 'add 2 eggs , 1 at a time beating until blended after each addition', 'combine flour , cocoa , baking soda and salt', 'add to shortening mixture , alternately with buttermilk , beginning and ending with flour mixture', 'mix at low after each addition until blended', 'beat 3 more minutes at high speed , stopping once to scrape down sides', 'stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract', 'pour batter into prepared pans', 'set aside', 'in another bowl beat cream cheese , 2 tablespoons butter and cornstarch at medium until creamy', 'gradually add sweetened condensed milk , beating well', 'add 1 egg', 'beat well', 'stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract', 'spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over batter', 'bake at 350f for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean', 'cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes', 'remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks', 'to make the frosting beat 2 / 3 cups butter at medium until creamy', 'combine powdered sugar and 1 1 / 2 cups cocoa', 'add to butter alternately with 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk , beginning and ending with powdered sugar mixture', 'beat until spreading consistency', 'stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract', 'spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake', 'sprinkle with toasted walnuts'

preheat oven to 350 degrees f', 'place graham cracker crumbs , pecans and coconut flakes on a cookie sheet', 'place in oven for 15 minutes , stirring every 5 minutes', 'remove the crumb mixture and let cool', 'in medium bowl , melt butter in microwave , about 30 seconds depending on your microwave', 'add crumb mixture to butter and mix together well making sure butter is well incorporated', 'use as crust for your favorite cheesecake , torte or cream pie'

preheat oven to 350 degrees', 'line a 9x13 pan with foil', 'place graham crackers flat inside pan , covering as much as possible even if you have to break some', 'place pecans over crackers', 'i like to chop mine up a bit , but you can just use halves if you like', 'in a small saucepan over medium heat , place butter and sugar', 'bring to a boil and boil for 4 minutes', 'remove and pour over nuts and crackers , covering completely', 'place in oven for 10 minutes', 'mixture will be bubbly when you remove it', 'allow to cool enough to touch then peel out foil from pan so they can cool quicker', 'once cooled , break apart , and enjoy', 'a great snack or gift', use cinnamon coated graham's if you like that extra flavor]