2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 lg. eggs
2 c. Mrs. Field's semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. packed light brown sugar
1 c. butter (do not soften)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Using a wire whisk, mix dry ingredients thoroughly; set aside. In a large bowl, using electric mixer, combine sugars on medium speed until blended to a uniform color. Add butter; mix at low speed to break into 1 inch chunks. Increase mixer speed and completely cream butter into sugars. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until blended. Add dry ingredients; mix on low speed until dough has formed with a light dusting of unblended flour. Add Mrs. Field's chocolate chips and walnuts (if desired); mix on low speed until blended. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 22-24 minutes at 300 degrees. Transfer from the baking sheet to a cooling rack immediately. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.