Giant Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies, a favorite at the turn of the century (circa 1900), remain favorites today.

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate pieces
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 large cookie sheets.

In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; mix well.

In large bowl, beat together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in oats, chocolate pieces and nuts. Divide dough in half. Spread each half to 3/4-inch thickness on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 17 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Makes two 11-inch cookies

Variation: Drop dough by rounded tablespoonsful onto greased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen 2 1/2-inch cookies.