Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Modified from Paula Deen

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup raisins (I didn't use the pecans and doubled this)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

2 cups rolled oats, uncooked

Preheat oven to 350.

Add 1/2 cup water to raisins (and pecans if using), then microwave for 90 seconds. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars and beat until very creamy. Add the vanilla extra and eggs, and beat again until mixed.

In a small bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add it to the butter mixture. Add the oats, raisins and pecans. Mix together.

Drop heaping tablespoons of batter on to a prepared cookies sheet. Leave room for spreading. Bake until cooked in the middle, 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven. Cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 3-4 dozen.