3 med. bananas, mashed
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. sugar or less
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk or milk soured with vinegar

Sift together: 1 tsp. baking powder 3 c. flour 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. walnuts, chopped (optional) and raisins

Mix bananas and soda and set aside. cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk and dry ingredients. Mix until well blended. Add banana mixture and nuts and raisins, blend well. Pour into 2 greased and floured 5 x 9 x 3 inch loaf pans, or 3 (7 x 3 inch) loaf pans.

Let batter rest for 20 minutes, this is very important. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour (less for smaller pans) or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Place on wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.