Sift together:

2 1/2 cups sifted Softasilk or other cake flour
1 2/3 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Add:

2/3 cup soft shortening
1/3 cup plain, banana or vanilla yogurt (or buttermilk)
1/2 tsp. vanilla or 1 tsp. rum or bourbon
1 1/4 cups (about 3) mashed very ripe bananas

Beat mixture for two minutes, then add 3 eggs and another cup of yogurt or buttermilk.

Beat for two more minutes, fold in 2/3 cup finely chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, peanuts, Macadamias, walnuts and/or chopped raisins).

Pour into two 9-inch layer pans or one 13x9-inch rectangular pan that has been greased and dusted lightly with flour.

Bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool.

Finish with butter icing or confectioners icing or frost with whipped cream cheese.

Decorate with sliced bananas.

Submitted by: CM