i'm here to pump(kin)...you up!

Oh, Ahnold. Why did you leave acting for politics? We've been unfairly robbed of your impersonation-worthy delivery of lame lines. Even more tragically, SNL has taken a massive nosedive in the years since Hans and Franz. Such loss, so sad.

As usual, I digress. You came here for food, and food you shall have. I made these cookies in a fit of pumpkin-loving madness. They're unique little noshes, with oats and chocolate morsels scattered throughout. Granted, my experience eating pumpkin is limited at best, but I don't recall seeing many recipes combining it with chocolate. It's a pleasant duo, to be sure. If you're sick of pumpkin pie as a Thanksgiving dessert or want to get a head start on the big meal, go ahead and make a batch of these--the dough freezes wonderfully.

Methinks even Mr. Schwarzenegger (a name actually found in the spell-check database!), Hans, and Franz would approve.

Punkin Cookies
(based on these beauts)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned and set in centers. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.