Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 cups brown sugar
2 cups margarine
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
4 cups quick cooking oats
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts -- optional

Heat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, margarine, vanilla and eggs with an electric mixer. Combine flour, oatmeal, baking soda and salt, stir into the margarine mixture. Add chocolate chips and nuts.

Onto cookie sheets, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfulls about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.