Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Combine the butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl.  Use a hand mixer to beat until creamy.  Beat in the eggs.  Sift the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.  Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.  Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake until lightly browned (about 8 minutes).

Our comments:  Hattie has blossomed into an expert cookie maker.  She makes all kinds of cookies, but my favorite is this one.  The recipe comes right off the chocolate chip bag.  We fell in love with Amedei chocolate while in Italy (www.chocosphere.com).  The Toscano Black 70% was our favorite.  It might make these cookies even better.