Chocolate Cheese Cookies

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 squares semisweet chocolate -- melted and cooled slightly (see Notes)
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup chopped nuts -- optional

Beat butter, shortening and cream cheese until light. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla and melted chocolate. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add alternately with milk to chocolate mixture. Stir in nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2-in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in moderate oven (350') about 15 minutes. Remove cookies and cool on racks.

Yield: 4 1/2 dozen

NOTES : Use unsweetened instead of semisweet chocolate for a more pronounced chocolate flavor.