Christmas Cookies: Thumbprints

There are many versions of this recipe all over, in cookbooks and on the web. I got this particular recipe from my mom, who got it from her mom. This NOT a sweet cookie. Many people fill them with jelly, a chocolate drop, or other things. I personally use icing, as did my mom and my grandma.

• 1/3 C. soft shortening (half butter)                                                   
• 1 C. flour
• ¼ C. brown sugar (packed)                                                
• ¼ t. salt
• 1 egg yolk                                                                                             
• 1 egg white
• ½ t. vanilla                                                                                            
• ¾ C. finely chopped nuts 

Heat oven to 350°.  Mix shortening, brown sugar, eggyolk and vanilla thoroughly.  Measure flour by dip-level-pour-method or bysifting.  Blend flour and salt; stir in.  Roll dough in smallballs.  Dip in slightly beaten egg white.  Roll in nuts.  Place1" apart on ungreased baking sheet.  Press thumb gently intocenters.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes.  Cool.  Fill holes withsparkling jelly or tinted confectioners sugar icing.  Makes about 3-dozencookies.