Three Chocolate Cookies

I first saw this on the food network, from Paula Deen.  We love these and gave them out for Christmas last year to friends and neighbors.  They are a good addition to a cookie exchange too.

1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
3 3/4 c all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1 3/4 c brown sugar
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c vegetable shortening (I use butter since I hate shortening)
1 cup butter softened (two sticks)
1 package semisweet chocolate morsels
1 c milk chocolate morsels
3 squares bittersweet chocolate (chopped)...I just buy them in chip form with the others
1 cup almond brickle chips (I use the heath or toffee chips in the cookie aisle)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly grease baking sheets

With mixer, beat butter and shortening until creamy, add sugars gradually beating until fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla beating well.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt,  gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended.  Stir in chocolate and almond morsels.  Drop cookies by 1/4 cupfuls about 3 inches apart onto sheets.  Bake 11-12 minutes until lightly browned.  Cook 2 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool.

Makes 3 dozen