5 c. flour
2 1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar (or baking powder)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. shortening
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. brown sugar, packed
6 eggs
3 c. mashed bananas (8 or 9 ripe bananas)
Optional 1 c. chopped dried fruits or nuts

Sift together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Set aside. Mash bananas, either by hand or in mixer. Set aside.

In a large bowl cream shortening and sugar. Add whole eggs and beat until fluffy. To this mixture add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the mashed bananas. Beat well after each addition. Batter is now divided into 3 portions for baking. Any dried fruits or nuts may be added to each portion of batter. Pour into 3 well greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Note: Cream of tartar or baking powder may be used, cream of tartar will produce bread with heavier texture while baking powder will produce a lighter texture.