1 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tbsp. vanilla
3 3/4 c. flour
3/4 c. cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Chopped walnuts
Maraschino cherry halves

Cream butter and sugar in a large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture. Beat well. Shape dough into 4" x 1/2" fingers (or logs). Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes or until almost set. Cool slightly; then glaze with chocolate icing and sprinkle with chopped nuts and garnish with cherry halves.

CHOCOLATE GLAZE:

1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. water
6 tbsp. cocoa
2 c. confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine butter and water in a small saucepan, bringing to a boil. Remove from heat. Immediately stir in cocoa. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. If too thick, thin with 1 to 2 teaspoons water.