1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3 lg. ripe mashed bananas
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (opt.)

Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy, add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour, soda and salt in another bowl and stir quickly into creamed mixture until just blended. Add vanilla to well mashed bananas, and stir into flour/creamed mixture. Add walnuts and stir to mix. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until center is firm. Turn out on wire rack, wrap in foil. Let stand 24 hours before slicing.