1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup margarine or butter
21/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 12-ounce package (2 cups) semisweet chocolate pieces
1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (optional)
Oven 375 degrees
In a mixing bowl beat the shortening and margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
Add about half of the flour, the brown sugar, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and baking soda. Beat mixture till thoroughly combined.
Beat in the remaining flour. Stir in chocolate pieces and, if desired, nuts.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 ΒΌ oven for 8 to 10 minutes or till
edges are lightly browned. Cool cookies on a wire rack. Makes about 60.
