2 1/3 c. flour
1 2/3 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. mashed bananas (about 3 med.)
2/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. buttermilk
3 eggs
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. finely chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour rectangular pan 13 x 9 x 2 inches, or 2 round pans, 9 x 1 1/2 inches. Beat all ingredients in large bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, 30 seconds. Beat on high speed scraping bowl occasionally, 3 minutes. Pour into pan(s). Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Rectangular 45-50 minutes. Layers 35-40 minutes.

High Altitude Directions: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Decrease sugar to 1 cup and bananas to 3/4 cup (about 2 medium). Layers 30-35 minutes.