Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies have become near legendary in our area. They're used as gifts, church social treats, and often show up at bake sales. They certainly have their own fanbase, but few people have been able to duplicate them. The reason - it's all in the technique. You HAVE to mix these morsels by hand and you have to be careful with the baking time. If you do that, you'll have a treat that is quite addictive and delightful. There's nothing better with a cup of milk after school.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter flavored shortening

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 (12 oz.) package of chocolate chips (we usually use semi-sweet, double chocolate, or 60% dark)

1 cup nuts (we usually use pecans or walnuts)

Technique:

Cream by hand the shortening, sugars, and vanilla. Add eggs and beat well by hand. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. They will be moister and keep better if you cook them until lightly browned. Cool slightly before removing from the cookie sheets. Makes about 6 dozen.