1/2 c. soft shortening
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sifted flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. finely chopped nuts

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Sift together flour and salt and add to shortening mixture. Roll into 1 inch balls. Dip in slightly beaten egg whites. Roll in finely chopped nuts. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet and press thumb in center of each. Bake at 355 degrees until set and slightly brown, 10-12 minutes. Cool. Place stiff tinted icing in middle of thumbprint.