Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today we made the all American classic chocolate chip cookies.  I've received a few compliments with this recipe (as a young college student), and just got a couple more here at home. ;)

3/4 cup all-vegetable shortening
1-1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 T milk
1 T vanilla
1 egg
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips [of course, I had to use half dark- and half milk chocolate]
1 cup chopped pecans, optional

Cream together shortening, sugar, milk and vanilla.  When blended thoroughly, add one egg.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and baking soda.  Add slowly to the shortening mixture until just mixed.  Stir in the chocolate chips and optional nuts with a spoon.  Drop cookie dough by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet, about three inches apart.  Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes (for chewy cookies) or 11-13 minutes (for crisp cookies) each batch.  Remove from baking sheet (with spatula) and cool on a wire rack.  Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Recipe from: "Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies".  Crisco.com.