Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookies

1/2 C. each brown and granulated sugar
1 stick margarine (or 1/2 stick margarine and 1/4 C. unsweetened applesauce)
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla nut extract
1/2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1 T. hot water
2 1/8 C. flour
3/4 C. chopped pecans
3/4 C. dark chocolate pieces (chunks or chips)
24 pecan halves, optional

Preheat oven to 375.

In large mixing bowl, combine sugars, margarine (unsweetened applesauce). Stir in remaining ingredients individually, mixing well before adding each next ingredient.

Drop by rounded spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Top with a pecan half - if desired. Bake 8-10 minutes, longer for a crunchy cookie.
Yield: 24-30 cookies