a little oil or butter for the baking tray (optional)
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 T grate orange zest
1 3/4 cups unbleached white flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup minced walnut (optional)

Place the butter and sugars in a medium sized mixing bowl.  Cream together with an electric mixer for about two minutes.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.  Stir in the vanilla and orange zest.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt and baking soda.  Add this to the butter mixture, along with the chocolate chips and walnuts, if desired and stir until thoroughly combined.

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for about 12 minutes, or until lightly browned on the bottom.  Cool completely on a rack before serving.

Makes about 40 cookies

from Mollie Katzen's "Vegetable Heaven"