1 c. soft shortening - half butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix thoroughly the shortening, brown sugar, egg yolks and vanilla. Sift together the flour and salt. Add to the creamed mixture.

Roll into 1 inch balls. Dip into slightly beaten egg whites. Roll in finely chopped nuts (1 1/2 cups). Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet and press thumb into center of each.

Bake until set. Cool. Place in thumbprints a bit of chopped candied fruit, sparkling jelly or tinted confectioners' sugar icing. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.