Sift together: 1 C plus 2T Flour; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; and 1/2 tsp. salt and set aside.
Blend: 1/2 C shorten; 6 T granulated sugar; 6 T brown sugar; 1/2 tsp. vanilla and 1/4 tsp. water.
Beat in 1 egg; then add flour mixture and mix well. Stir in 16 oz. package of chocolate chips; 1/2 C chopped walnuts (optional).
Drop by half tsp. on to greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes; yields approx. 50 cookies.