Preheat oven to 375° F. In a mixing bowl, beat butter until light and creamy. Add sugars, and beat until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs; mix well. Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts; mix well. Drop heaping tablespoon of dough on lightly greased cookie sheet (make 8 cookies per cookie sheet). Bake at 375° F for 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool completely on wire racks. Yield: 24 large cookies. Note: This recipe yields exactly 24 cookies. Do not try to make more. *If using unsalted butter, add ½ teaspoon salt |