Friday's Fave Foods***Thumb Print Cookies

Some moms do chocolate chip cookies, but this is what my mom baked when she made cookies. They are great spur of the moment cookies because even if the cupboard is bare, we usually have these ingredients around. Also, when you add the filling you get some great color. If I use jam, and it's Christmas, this is the area where I will splurge and buy "Knottsberry" or some other designer jam.

THUMB PRINT COOKIES

1/2 c. soft butter

1/4 c. brown sugar

1 egg yolk

1 c. sifted flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Cream together butter, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Sift flour and salt; mix well. Roll into 1" balls. Dip in slightly beaten egg white. Roll in finely chopped nuts (3/4 cup). Place about 1" apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven, quickly press thumb gently on top of each cookie. Return to oven and bake 8 minutes longer; cool. Fill the thumb print with jelly, fruit or tinted sugar icing. Oven temperature, 375 degrees.
Makes 2 dozen.

Notes: The chopped nuts are an extra. They are also fine without that step!