1/2 c. soft shortening (part butter)
1 c. sugar
1 egg
3/4 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. chopped nuts

Mix shortening, sugar, and egg thoroughly. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and stir in. Stir in nuts. Chill 1 hour.

Heat oven to 400 degrees, moderate hot. Drop rounded teaspoon dough about 2" apart on greased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until set. Frost cooled cookies with Browned Butter Icing (below). Makes about 3 1/2 dozen.

BROWNED BUTTER ICING: Melt 1/4 cup butter and keep over low heat until golden brown. Blend in 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar. Stir in about 2 tablespoons cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla.