Preheat oven to 375.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Melt 11/2 cups of chips and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt. Beat until light.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Add melted chocolate, stopping to scrape the bowl as needed.
Mix in flour and baking soda until just incorporated.
Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chips.
Drop rounded teaspoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 10 minutes or until tops are cracked and crusty.
Centers should still be soft and appear slightly underdone.
Let stand 5 minutes before removing to cooling racks.
Store in an airtight container.