Chocolate Chip Cookies with Caramelized Pecan

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon/nutmeg
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups Milk Chocolate Morsels
• 1 cup chopped caramelized pecans (recipe below)


COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE in preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

NOTE: To make the caramelized pecan, you will need:
1 1⁄2 cups pecan halves
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans on cookie sheet or other baking pan and toast 5 minutes, stirring often. Combine brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup in medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring often or until sugar dissolves. Add toasted nuts and stir until coated. Place on buttered foil and put back in oven for 1 to 2 minutes, or until sugar starts to bubble. Cool.