1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 to 4 cups flour (enough to make a stiff dough)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Cream shortening. Add brown sugar, then eggs (one at a time, incorporating vanilla extract with second egg). Beat well.

Sift first 2 cups of flour with baking soda and baking powder added. Add these dry ingredients to first mixture. Add additional flour until the dough can be handled without being sticky. Add nuts and form the dough into a roll about 2 inches thick, using wax paper or aluminum foil. Wrap and chill for several hours or overnight. (May be frozen and kept for months.) Slice and bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes.