1 3/4 c. presifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 c. mashed ripe bananas
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.

Sift first four ingredients. Separately beat shortening with a spoon until light and fluffy, gradually add sugar and eggs to shortening and continue beating. Alternately add bananas and flour mixture to egg/shortening/sugar mixture and continue mixing. Bake for one hour or until done. To vary, add one cup raisins or one cup pitted dates.