Merle's Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am taking these WONDERFUL cookies to Thanksgiving with Nate's family tomorrow. (We ladies do not go empty-handed, right?)
These are the perfect chocolate chip cookies. Just straightforward and traditional like they should be. I snuck one and dunked it in milk...delicious.
Highly recommend this recipe.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1 pkg. Baker's semisweet chocolate
1 egg, well-beaten
1/2 c. butter or other shortening
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1 t. vanilla
1 c. sifted flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. soda
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional, I used them and they were great!)

Cut each small square of chocolate in 4-6 pieces. Cream butter, add sugars gradually, and cream together until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Sift flour once, measure, and add salt and soda, then sift again. Add flour in two parts, and mix well. Add cut chocolate, nuts, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. Drop by teaspoons onto greased baking sheet 2" apart. Bake at 375 degrees 10-12 minutes. All measurements are level.