Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place rack on center of oven.

Step 2

Cut shortening into flour and salt in medium size bowl, until the mixture resembles small pieces the size of peas.

Step 3

Add cold water all at once. Mix with a fork until dough starts to form into a ball, do not over mix.

Step 4

Sprinkle flour out onto a flat surface. Roll the dough out and place in a 9x 1 or 1.5 inch pie plate.

Step 5

Lightly press into the corners of the plate. Crimp the edges.

Step 6

Place prepared crust into freezer while making filling. Fill and bake as directed above.

Step 7

Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, scraping down sides a couple of times. Mix until blended well and no pieces of butter are visible.

Step 8

Add eggs, one at a time and vanilla to butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium for about 1 minute, scraping down sides once. Turn off mixer.

Step 9

Add flour, salt, and chocolate chips mixing all at once, just until wet and dry ingredients are incorporated. Add nuts and mix just until incorporated. If not using nuts, remember to add the additional 1/4 cup of flour to batter.

Step 10

Spoon filling into unbaked pie shell.

Step 11

Bake on center rack of oven for about 50 minutes or until knife inserted about half way from center of pie to crust (outer edge of pie) comes out clean.

Step 12

Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Save a few chocolate chips to gently press into the top of the pie after baking while pie is still warm.