2 1/4 c. sifted cake flour
1 1/4 c. granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs, unbeaten
1 1/2 c. mashed bananas, about 3 to 4 bananas (frozen bananas, slightly thawed work well)
1 tsp. vanilla
Chopped nuts, optional

Grease and flour pans, especially if using loaf pans. Sift first 5 ingredients into bowl. Drop in shortening, eggs, and add 1/2 cup bananas. Start at medium speed. Add remaining bananas and vanilla, and nuts. Beat 1 minute longer. Bake at 375 degrees. Bake 25 minutes if using cake pans. It will be much longer if using loaf or bundt pans. Check with toothpick to see if done.

Cool 10 minutes in pans; then remove from pans. Frost or serve plain. Keep in airtight container, or plastic bag.