1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 tbsp. milk
3 mashed ripe bananas (best when bananas are brown)
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt (optional). Set aside.

In a mixer bowl beat sugar and shortening with electric mixer until light, scraping sides of bowl often. Add eggs, one at a time and the milk, beating until smooth after each addition. Ad flour mixture and banana alternately to creamed mixture, beating until smooth after each addition. Fold in nuts.

Turn batter into a lightly greased 8"x4"x2" loaf pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 60 to 65 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Makes 1 loaf.