3 1/2 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. soft butter
2 c. light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Sift flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. In a large mixer at medium speed, beat butter until light. Gradually beat in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; continue beating until very light and fluffy.

At low speed, beat in half the flour mixture until smooth. Mix in rest, with hands, to form a stiff dough. Add nuts; mix well. Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Divide in thirds. With hands, shape each third into a roll 8 inches long. Wrap each in saran or wax paper; refrigerate until firm, about 8 hours.