Giant Oatmeal Cookies

1 c Firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 c Margarine or butter,

-softened 2 Eggs

1 t Vanilla

1 1/4 c All-purpose flour

1/2 t Baking soda

1/2 t Salt (opt)

2 1/2 c QUAKER Oats (quick or old

-fashioned, uncooked) 1 pk Semi-sweet chocolate

-pieces (6 oz) 1/2 c Chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350'F. Lightly grease 2 large cookie sheets. Beat sugar and margarine until fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add combined flour, baking soda, salt and oats; mix well. Stir in chocolate pieces and nuts. Divide dough in half. Press each half into circle about 3/4" thick on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 17-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheets; remove to wire racks. Cool completely. Cut into wedges to serve. Makes 2 giant cookies. VARIATION: Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.