Keeping with the idea of starting simple, the kitchens of Full Moon Cuisine spent the third week of the 2012 challenge focusing on a classic, the oatmeal cookie. And there is nothing wrong with making a simple classic... and there's nothing wrong with turning up the volume a bit. In this case, through the addition of some toasted pecans, this simple classic was definitely elevated.

Here's what you'll need:

- 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans (directions to follow)
- 2 sticks butter at room temp
- 2 cup dark brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 extra-large eggs at room temp
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oat meal (not instant)
- 1 1/2 cups raisins

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it's preheating, take out a pan/skillet and heat your pecans over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon (your nose will know when they're done). Chop the nuts or use a food processor to blitz them to small pieces and set them aside.

In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to combine the butter, dark brown, and white sugar. Once combined, add in the eggs (one at a time) and the vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder, stirring them all together. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet in thirds, using the mixer to combine each time. After, stir in the oats, pecans, and raisins.

Take a baking sheet, spray using a cooking spray, and lay down some parchment paper. Using a small ice cream scoop or just a tablespoon, gather up approximately 2-inch balls of the dough and place them onto the sheet. Use the palm of your hand to gently press down on the dough to flatten them. Bake in your oven for approximately 15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool... but not too much! Oatmeal cookies are always best when they are still warm!

Be aware, this will yield approximately two-and-a-half dozen cookies (about 30), so have storage ready... or invite over some friends!

Taking a look at the classics helps us to remember what made these dishes so memorable. Being in the kitchen with parents and grandparents, sharing stories and recipes. Food can transport us through history, both our own and through the world's as so few other things can. Still, there's always room for a new spin on an old dish. Since we made so many, we'll be extending dining hours this evening.

Care to place an order?

Want to know what this challenge is all about? Check out my journal and feel free to send in recipes for cookies! http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3096204/