Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream together the shortening, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time and then vanilla. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and add to mix along with the salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips and nuts, if using. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are starting to brown. Let the cookies rest on the cookie sheet for a couple minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.
Indulge while warm!