Grammie Rand's Toll House Cookies

1-1/2 c. sifted, unbleached flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup white sugar 2 eggs unbeaten 1 tsp. hot water

1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 cups oatmeal OR 2/3 cup coconut in place of part of the oatmeal

Sift flour with salt and soda. Cream butter; add sugars gradually. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and hot water to creamed mixture, then sifted dry ingredients. Add nuts and chocolate chips. Add oatmeal (and coconut, if using) and mix thoroughly. Drop by tablespoon onto greased or lined cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.