1/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. molasses
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, unbeaten
3/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped walnuts

Cream together shortening, molasses, and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda; add chopped nuts; mix well. Pour into a well greased and lightly floured 8 x 8 x 2 inch pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on cake rack. Ice with orange icing. Cut into 16 squares.

ORANGE ICING:

1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
1 tbsp. orange juice

Combine sugar, orange rind, and juice. Spread on Molasses Nut Squares. Decorate with walnut meats and maraschino cherry halves (optional).