1/2 c. shortening (part butter)
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1 egg, separated
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. finely chopped nuts
Jelly or tinted confectioners' sugar icing

Heat oven to 350 degrees (moderate). Mix shortening, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla thoroughly. Measure flour by dipping method or by sifting. Blend together flour and salt; stir in. Roll dough into balls (1 teaspoon per ball).

Beat egg white slightly with fork. Dip balls in egg white. Roll in nuts. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet; press thumb gently in center of each. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until set. Cool. Fill thumbprints with jelly or tinted icing. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.