Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows; optional)

In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large bowl, mix well sugar, shortening, eggs, vanilla and starter. Stir in flour mixture and nuts until well blended.

Drop by teaspoonful 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 350 deg. Oven 8 to 10 minutes or until bottoms of cookies and edges are lightly browned.

Remove to racks. Frost or garnish. (If desired, omit frosting and garnish each cookie with walnut half before baking.)

Chocolate Frosting:

In small bowl, mix well: 3/4 C. Confectioner's Sugar, about 2 Tbs. Milk, (or more if needed for spreading consistency) and 1/2 square (1/2 oz.) unsweetened chocolate, melted.