1/2 c. shortening
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. salt
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 c. broken nuts
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together shortening, sugars, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy. Sift together dry ingredients; stir into creamed mixture, blending well. Add chocolate pieces and nuts. If desired, add 1/2 cup crushed peppermint-stick candy. Drop from teaspoon 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Remove from pan immediately. makes about 2 1/2 dozen.