1 c Shortening

6 oz Cream Cheese; Softened,(2PK)

1/2 c Sugar; Granulated

1/2 c Brown Sugar; Packed

2 Eggs; Large

2 ts Orange Peel; Grated

1 ts Vanilla

2 c Flour; Unbleached

2 ts Baking Powder

1 ts Salt

6 oz Chocolate Chips; Semisweet

1/2 c Nuts; Finely Chopped(Option)

Servings: 12 Cream together shortening, cheese, and sugars. Add eggs, peel, and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop from teaspoon 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. If desired sprinkle lightly with nuts or granulated sugar. Bake at 350 degrees F about 10 minutes. Makes 6 dozen cookies.