Thumbprint Cookies

1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, separated
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. chopped  pecans or walnuts

Cream sugar and butter with egg yolks until fluffy.  Sir in vanilla.  Add flour and salt and mix well.

Roll into 1 inch balls, then roll in slightly beaten egg whites.  Dip into chopped nuts until completely coated.  Place on greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees about 5 minutes, remove from oven, press thumb on top of each cookie.  Return to oven for 5 to 8 minutes or until done.  Fill each thumbprint indentation with tinted icing.

Tinted icing:

2 T. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2-3 T. water
Few drops food coloring to suit occasion
(pink or green)