Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

My mother has been making these delicious chocolate chip cookies for as long as I can remember. They're chewy and crunchy. Sweet and salty. Paired perfectly with a tall glass of milk.

Growing up, they were a favorite among our household and beyond. One of my friends always asked for a batch as her birthday present! Now I enjoy making these cookies for a variety of occasions, and sometimes for no occasion at all.

A Few Tips

No. 1 — I usually double this recipe, it's easier.

No. 2 — You can scoop the dough into balls, place them in a container, freeze and just bake what you need. Perfect for those nights when you just want a little something sweet after dinner!

No. 3 — For a quick, crowd pleasing dessert, pat the dough into a rectangular 9x13 baking dish and serve them as squares or bars.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 Cup Shortening

1/3 Cup Sugar

1/3 Cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar

1 Egg

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Cup All Purpose Flour

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1 Cup (6 oz) Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Beat shortening

STEP 2: Gradually add sugars

STEP 3: Add egg and vanilla

STEP 4: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Then, gradually add to the shortening mixture. I usually pour in half, beat, then pour in the other half and beat again.

Step 5: Stir in chocolate chips and/or pecans

Bake @ 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes

Yields 2 1/2 Dozen

Ecclesiastes 9:7