Stephanie's Wicked Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these for my husband when we were dating. He had recently lost over a 100lbs....these cookies were his downfall. He was the one who called them "wicked" and the name stuck. I have a SIL who asks for these at every family gathering and for Christmas. I hope y'all like them as well as she does. The recipe is from a really old cook book....I can't remember the name. The original recipe calls for 3 cups of chocolate chips. I found it to be too much so I double the recipe and use 3 cups of chocolate chips. But if you love lots of chips in your cookies you can always add more!

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 54 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup shortening (I use butter flavor-it makes a difference)
• 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 2  large eggs
• 2  cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3  cups  semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1  cup  chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat over to 375 degrees.
2. Cream together the shortening, vanilla extract and sugar.
3. In a seperate bowl, mix together brown sugar, salt and baking soda. Press out any lumps.
4. Add to the creamed mixture.
5. Add the eggs, one at time, beating well after each.
6. Stir in the flour 1/2 cup at a time. After 2 cups have been added, check the dough by touching with a (clean) finger. If your fingers comes away sticky with dough, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
7. Stir in the chocolate chips.
8. Add walnuts if using.
9. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheets greased lightly (even non stick) I use Pam space cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
10. Serve with lots of cold milk!