Oven at 350 degrees. Bake 8-10 minutes.

1 1/2 c. flour
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. each baking powder and baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. shortening, room temperature
2 eggs
3/4 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. "Herman" starter
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
Chocolate frosting (recipe follows) - optional

In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In large bowl, mix well sugar, shortening, eggs, vanilla and starter. Stir in flour mixture and nuts until well blended. Drop by teaspoonsful 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 8-10 minutes, or until bottoms and edges of cookies are lightly browned. Remove to racks to cool. Frost or garnish as desired. Makes 48.

Note: If desired, omit frosting and garnish each cookie with a walnut half before baking.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

In small bowl, mix well 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, about 2 tablespoons milk (or more if needed for spreading consistency) and 1/2 square (1/2 ounce) unsweetened chocolate, melted.