1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. mashed ripe bananas
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 c. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 c. chopped maraschino cherries are great for a holiday bread

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar together. Beat eggs until light, add to creamed mixture, blend well. Add mashed bananas and lemon juice, blend well. Add flour, baking powder, salt and mix quickly. Add nuts and cherries (optional). Grease loaf pan and flour lightly. Bake in moderate oven, about 1 hour.