Banana Nut Bread

LAUREN POSEY

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/4 chopped nuts

Stir together flour, baking powder, soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside. In a mixer bowl beat sugar and shortening with electric mixer till light, scraping sides of the bowl often. Add eggs, one at a time, and the milk, beating till smooth after each addition. Add flour mixture and bananas alternately to creamed mixture, beating till smooth after each addition. Fold in nuts. Turn batter into a lightly greased 8" x 4" x 2" loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 60 to 65 minutes or till a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove pan; cool. For easier serving, wrap and store overnight.