The Best Banana Bread...at least I think so :)

1/2 c. shortening

1 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp salt (a little less if you use kosher)

2 cups flour

3-4 bananas, mashed

1/4 c. milk

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (opt.)

Cream together shortening, sugars, eggs and vanilla. Add baking powder, soda salt and 1 cup flour, mix well. Add bananas (sometimes I don't even mash them---just throw them in & mix well) and milk. Add remaining cup of flour and mix well, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all is combined. Stir in nuts.

Pour into 2 greased (medium size) loaf pans & bake at 350 for 30 to 45 minutes. If browning too quickly tent with aluminum foil. Also makes great muffins (makes about 24 small muffins)--reduce the cooking time to about 20-30 minutes or until tester comes out clean.

Cool completely & wrap in plastic wrap....banana bread is always better the second day...trust me--it's worth the wait :)