1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3 lg. ripe bananas, about 1 c. mashed
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. raisins, opt.
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy, in medium-size bowl; add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Sift flour, soda and salt onto waxed paper; stir quickly into creamed mixture just until blended; stir in mashed bananas, walnuts and vanilla; pour into greased loaf pan, 9 x 5 x 3 inches.

Bake in moderate oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until center is firm; cool 5 minutes; turn out onto wire rack; cool completely. Wrap in waxed paper, plastic wrap or foil; let stand 24 hours before serving.