1/2 c. shortening - part butter
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg, separated
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. chopped nuts
Jelly or tinted confectioners sugar icing

Mix shortening, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla thoroughly. Blend together flour and salt. Stir in. Roll dough into balls, 1 teaspoon per ball. Beat egg white slightly with fork. Dip balls in egg white. Roll in nuts. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Press thumb gently in center of each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until set. Cool. I fill the thumbprint with pink and green (almond flavored and mint flavored) confectioners icing. However, you can use different flavored jellies if you like. These make a pretty Christmas cookie.