Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease cookie sheets. Using an electric mixer, beat shortening and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to shortening mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in dried cranberries. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool completely. Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and then in nuts. Allow chocolate to dry completely. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.