My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie

When I was growing up, my mom made these amazing chocolate chip cookies.  I can't decide which I liked better... being able to lick the beaters (sometime outside with the dog...prior to adding the chocolate chips of course!)...or having them fresh out of the oven, gooey and warm.  The recipe she used is from her old Southern Living collection...you know, the ones where each book is just about one thing.  Like poultry...and vegetables...and cookies and cakes.  

These are called Defense Cookies.  It's the recipe that apparently thousands of women used to make and send to their husbands, brothers, and beau's serving in World War II.  They would line the boxes with parchment paper and stacks of cookies and ship them over.  It's no wonder that this was the reception when the war was over and the men came home...

{via}

Well, maybe there were a few more reason's then that... ;) 

Here's the recipe:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 c Crisco

1 c all purpose flour

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1 egg, beaten

1t vanilla extract

1 package chocolate chips

1/2 c chopped pecans (optional)

Combine the sugar and Crisco in a mixer.  Mix until creamy.  In a separate bowl, add the flour, soda, and salt.  While the mixer is on low, slowly add to sugar and Crisco.  Mix well.  Add the egg and vanilla.  Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.  Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.  Yields: ~3 dozen.