Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, soft (don't use margarine, NO EXCEPTIONS)

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed firm

1 tsp vanilla

2 large eggs

12 oz. (2 cups) chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Mix flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Beat butter, sugar, vanilla, mix in eggs. Add dry ingredients. Stir in chips and nuts. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit 7-9 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for about 3 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

Makes about 3 dozen (36) cookies.

Helpful hints:

-Use a cookie scoop.

-Slightly press down cookies with wet fingers.

-Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper

-These cookies may be a little crisp the first day. Store in a covered container and they will turn soft.

Enjoy!