• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened (leave out or 1 min microwave power level 1)
  
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Chocolate Chips.  I like Ghiradelli, or Nestlee, or if you're ambitious you can chunk your own (keep the dogs out of the kitchen)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl and set aside.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large bowl until creamy.  You can use a mixer or do it by hand (takes work but seems to yield slightly better results.)  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets or trays. I usually grease the baking tray, but the cookies can get a little flat this way.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.