2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
4 eggs, separated
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
Approx. 3 c. fruit, jams/preserves

Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, yolks and vanilla. Thoroughly sift flour and salt. Stir in. Roll in balls. Beat egg whites slightly. Roll in nuts. Place about 1 inch apart on greased sheet. Press thumb gently in center. Bake 10-12 minutes in 350 degree oven. Cool. Fill thumbprint with jellies/jams.

For chocolate thumbprints, substitute 2 cups granulated sugar for 1 cup brown sugar and add 4 squares of unsweetened chocolate, melted with shortening. Yields 12 dozen.