1/2 c. butter or Crisco
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. sour cream
2 1/2 c. flour
2/3 c. nuts (optional)

Cream sugar, shortening and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy, add vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with sour cream. Add nuts. drop by teaspoonful on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

FROSTING:

Melt 1/4 cup butter in pan until nut brown in color. Pour over 2 cups confectioner's sugar. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla along with 2 or 3 tablespoons boiling water. Beat until spreadable, if too thick add more water.