chocolate chip cookies {v-day style}

Ohhhh man, these cookies are GOOD! And I almost always have the ingredients on hand, so that makes them even better. No runs to the grocery store = one happy mama. This recipe is actually my mama's chocolate chip cookie recipe, and I made some yesterday afternoon, but instead of plain old chocolate chip cookies (which are so delicious plain), I added some Valentine's Day love to them... dark chocolate v-day M&M's! *Drool*

NOTE: This recipe makes 10 dozen cookies. YOWZA! I usually half it and have plenty.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

4 1/2 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Blend the above and set aside.

2 c shortening (not margarine)
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
1 1/2 c brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp water
4 eggs

Mix the above in a large mixer bowl.

Add flour mixture to the mixer bowl. Mix well. Stir in 12 ounces chocolate chips and 1 cup nuts (nuts are optional). {To make the v-day version, add in some pretty M&M's at this point! I added the chocolate chips, then some M&M's to have both, and they are extra chocolatey and delicious!}

Bake 10-12 minutes at 325 degrees.