These refrigerator nut cookies take on a different flavor by substituting brown sugar to make butterscotch; cinnamon to make cinnamon slices; or grated orange peel and almonds for orange- almond slices.

In a large bowl, mix sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda and nuts. Divide dough into 3 parts. Shape each part into a roll 1 1/2 inches in diameter and about 7 inches long. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Heat oven to 400ø. Cut dough into 1/8-inch slices. Place 1 inch part on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until light brown, 7-9 minutes. Immediately remove from baking sheet. Cool on racks.

Butterscotch slices: Substitute packed brown sugar for the sugar; omit nuts.

Cinnamon slices: Substitute 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar for the sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the vanilla; omit nuts or not.

Orange-almond slices: Stir in 1 Tablespoon grated orange peel with the sugar and substitute 1/2 cup finely chopped blanched almonds for the nuts.

Randy Shearer