Banana Bread
Makes 1 loaf or 10 slices

1-3/4 - cups all-purpose flour

2 - tablespoons baking powder

1/4 - teaspoon baking soda

1/2 - teaspoon salt

1/3 - cup shortening

2/3 - cup sugar

2 - eggs

3 - ripe bananas, mashed

1 - cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350

• In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• In another mixing bowl, beat shortening until creamy.  
• Then gradually add sugar to shortening and beat until light and fluffy.  
• Now add the eggs and continue to beat.
• To the creamy shortening, begin to slowly alternate adding the flour mixture and bananas.  
• You want to put in a small amount at a time.  Mix after each addition, only enough to moisten dry ingredients.  Now, add the nuts if desired.
• Turn into greased and floured loaf pan.
• Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until bread is done.