1 1/2 c. pure granulated sugar
2/3 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 c. mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium)
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease cookie sheets. In a large bowl, beat 1 1/4 cups sugar, shortening and vanilla until fluffy. Beat in eggs, then bananas. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and soda. Beat into sugar mixture. Stir in walnuts. Chill 30 minutes. Drop by teaspoon 2-inches apart on cookie sheets. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over cookies.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Makes 5 dozen.