In a large bowl, cream together margarine and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until well blended.

In a separate smaller bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

Add flour mixture to margarine mixture and stir until well mixed.

Stir in chips and nuts.

For the cookies: reserve 3-4 generous scoops of dough for the Skillet Dessert. Bake the remaining dough as cookies on greased cookie sheets for 8-9 minutes. They will be quite soft, but DON'T OVERCOOK! Don't worry - they will set, but if you overcook them, they will be hard. Cool on sheets for 1 minute and then remove to wire racks to finish cooling.

For the Skillet Dessert: place 3-4 generous scoops of dough into an 8" cast-iron skillet and smooth to cover skillet surface. Bake cookie in a 350F oven about 9 minute or just until done. Let cool slightly (if you can!), add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and dig in! This dessert is meant to be shared - our family of five shares one skillet. Enjoy!