Grammie Rand's Toll House Cookies

1-1/2 c. sifted, unbleached flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 cup butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup white sugar 2 eggs unbeaten 1 tsp. hot water 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 cups oatmeal OR 2/3 cup coconut in place of part of the oatmeal 1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour before measuring; sift with salt and soda. Cream butter; add sugars gradually. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add hot water to creamed mixture, then sifted dry ingredients. Add nuts and chocolate chips. Add oatmeal (and coconut, if using) and mix thoroughly. Add vanilla and blend thoroughly. Drop by half-teaspoons onto greased or lined cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.