Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together ground flax seeds and water and let stand while mixing other ingredients.

In a food processor, process sugar and oats until mixture is fine. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and pulse to mix.

To bowl with flax mixture, add the oil, maple syrup, vanilla and water. Mix until well blended, then add flour mixture and stir together to make a thick dough; try not to over-handle it. Add chocolate chips and nuts.

Using about ¼ cup measure, scoop up dough and shape into a balls. Press the balls into large rounds 2 inches wide by about ¾ inch tall. Place about 2 ½ inches apart on cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes. Cookies should look set, but should appear a bit soft and underbaked. Let them sit on the cookie sheet for 5 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes 16 big cookies