1/2 c. shortening or butter, softened
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Roll into 1 inch balls. Dip in slightly beaten egg white. Roll in nuts. Place a about 1 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 5 minutes in 375°F oven. Remove from oven, quickly press thumb gently on top of each cookie. Return to oven and bake 8 minutes longer. Cool. Place in thumbprints, a bit of candied fruit, sparkling jelly or tinted confectioners sugar icing.

Makes about 2 dozen 1 1/2 inch cookies.