1/2 c. soft shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
3/4 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. chopped nuts

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, and egg. Stir in milk and vanilla. Sift together and stir in flour, soda, salt, and cocoa. Stir in nuts. Chill at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Ice cooled cookies, if desired, and sprinkle with chopped nuts or chocolate shot. Makes approximately 3 1/2 dozen.