1 3/4 cups sifted flour (all-purpose)
2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup soft shortening or butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, unbeaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 or 3)

Heat oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9X5X3 loaf pan.

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a mixing bowl; beat at medium speed until well blended.

Mix shortening with sugar, then with eggs until very light and fluffy - about 4 minutes altogether. At low speed, beat in flour mixture alternately with bananas just until smooth, turn into greased pan.

Bake for 1 hour or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight before slicing. Serve spread with whipped cream cheese, if desired.