Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine crisco, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat in egg.
Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture at low speed until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies (they will look light and moist-do not overbake), 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies.
Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove to cooling rack.