3/4 c. of sugar
1 1/2 c. of mashed bananas (3 lg.)
3/4 c. of vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 x. of Gold Medal all purpose flour
1/2 c. of chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp. of baking soda
2 tsp. of vanilla
1/2 tsp. of baking powder
1/2 tsp. of salt

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a loaf pan, either 9 x 5 x 3 or 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, with shortening. Mix bananas, sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pan. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center of the bread comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, then loosen sides of loaf from pan and remove from pan. Let cool completely before slicing.

Makes 1 loaf.