Birds Nests IV

1 cup butter, softened

½ cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups chopped pecans

¼ cup warm water

¾ cup shortening

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup butter, softened

4 cups confectioners sugar

Separate the eggs. Chop the nuts fine.

Cream together 1 cup softened butter and sugar. Add the yolks, and beat well. Add the flour, and mix well.

Make small balls out of dough. Roll balls in egg white, and then in the nuts. Place balls on greased cookie sheets, and press center of cookie with thumb. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8 minutes. Press center of cookie again, bake until lightly browned 4 to 6 minutes. Cool cookies on racks.

To make frosting, begin by blending the water, shortening, vanilla, and 1/4 cup softened butter or margarine together thoroughly. Slowly add confectioners sugar, and mix until smooth and creamy. More water may be needed to make desired consistency.