1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
3 c. self-rising flour, sifted
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine butter and shortening into a medium mixing bowl. Blend together until soft. Add sugar to butter mixture gradually and continue to beat until fluffy. Add eggs to mixture one at a time while continuously mixing. Stir in vanilla, flour and salt in that order. Refrigerate dough until it is cold. (While dough is cold roll in chopped nuts, if desired.)

Working with a small amount of dough at a time, roll out in a long roll, about 1 inch in diameter. Cut off dough in small rounds and place flat side up on cookie sheet. Press thumb into each cookie to make indentures. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Fill each cookie with icing.