Donna’s Banana Bread

Directions

• 1)

  Mix the sugar and shortening together until they are well combined.

• 2)

  Add the eggs and beat until mixture is smooth.

• 3)

  Add the bananas. If they are very ripe, you may just slice them and put them in the mixture. The mixer will blend them in quite well. If they are fresh bananas, you will have to mash them with a fork before adding them to the ingredients. Blend them in well.

• 4)

  Add the salt and baking soda. Mix well before adding the flour. I think this works better and is less trouble than sifting them in with the flour, especially since I don’t sift the flour.

• 5)

  Add the flour. Mix in slowly or the flour will fly everywhere.

• 6)

  At this point you can add chopped nuts if you wish. I like walnuts best, but pecans work well also.

• 7)

  Pour mixture into bundt pan and bake at 350ºF for approximately 42 minutes. If you use a loaf pan, it should bake for 55-60 minutes. If you use a dark pan, set oven to 325ºF and bake slightly longer. Stick a knife into the center to check for doneness. If knife comes out clean, it’s done. These temps and times work fine in my oven, yours may cook differently. Don’t bake too long or it will be too dry.