Chocolate Chip Cookies (Grandma Airds)

So I will start with my all-time favorite chocolate chip cookies.

1 Cup Shortening
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup White Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Baking Soda dissolved in 2 Tbsp Water
1 tsp Salt
2 3/4 Cups Flour
6 oz Chocolate Chips

Mix Shortening (by itself) until smooth and creamy. Add both sugars and mix well (about 3-4 minutes) Add eggs and mix well again. Add vanilla and baking soda mixture and mix just until mixed (about 20 seconds) Add salt and flour and mix until blended. Add chocolate chips and mix in. Spoon onto greased baking sheet in small balls and bake at 400 degrees for 5 1/2 minutes. Cool on pan until firm. Store in a tight container to preserve softness. (When doubling use 5 3/4 cups flour).