Combine shortening, sugar and egg in mixing bowl; beat well. Add melted chocolate, buttermilk and vanilla; blend. Sift together flour, soda, and salt and stir in. Add walnuts; chill soft dough. Drop by teaspoonful on greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until done. Makes 3 to 4 dozen soft, rich cookies. Frost if desired. Reprinted with permission from _Brown Sugar Recipe Bonanza_ From the C and H Sugar Kitchen Electronic format by Karen Mintzias