Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin until well blended.

Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; stir into the pumpkin mixture. Mix in the chocolate chips. Stir in the walnuts if desired. Drop by teaspoonsful onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until edges begin to brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.