4 cups all-purpose flour
1 level teaspoon baking soda
2 level teaspoons salt
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening (Crisco)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg white
2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
12 ounces mini semisweet chocolate chips

Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Mix the flour and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.

Use an electric mixer to mix the two sugars and shortening. When creamy add the vanilla extract, salt and egg white. Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time, adding a tablespoon of warm water as necessary to mix the flour - don't exceed 4 tablespoons of water - this will make a firm dough. Mix in chocolate chips. As the dough gets thicker you may want to mix by hand. Roll into 2-inch balls and press down with the palm of the hand to flatten. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.