Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325 �F. Mix the flour and baking soda in a bowl and set aside. Use an electric mixer to mix the two sugars and shortening. When creamy add the vanilla, salt, and egg white.

Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time adding a tablespoon of warm water as necessary to mix the flour - don't exceed 4 tablespoons of water - this will make a firm dough.

Mix in chocolate chips. As the dough gets thicker you may want to mix by hand and abandon the electric mixer. I have used my bread machine for heavy cookie dough:)
Roll into 2 inch balls and press down with the palm of the hand to make flat.

Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.