CREAM shortening, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
SIFT together dry ingredients; STIR into creamed mixture; BLEND well.
ADD chocolate chips and nuts (if using); lightly MIX into batter.
PLACE teaspoon-sized balls two inches apart on a greased cooking sheet.
BAKE 350F eight to ten minutes.
REMOVE from sheet immediately and cool on rack.
Recipe may be made through step 3, then stored in refrigerator for later baking.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 290 Calories; 18g Fat (53.0% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 32g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 18mg Cholesterol; 196mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 3 1/2 Fat; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.