Mom's Best Banana Bread

This recipe is the best recipe for Banana Bread that we have used. It came from the late Nancy Kelly who worked many hours in projects that enhanced Leavenworth's Bavarian Theme. She and her husband Bob directed Leavenworth's Oktoberfest for many years.

5 large ripe bananas
4 eggs, well beaten
1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
3 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Beat bananas to a paste. Add eggs. In separate bowl cream shortening and sugar, and beat until fluffy. Add bananas. In separate bowl combine flour, soda and salt and blend into banana mixture. Stir in walnuts. Bake in 2 well greased loaf pans at 300º for 1 1/4 hours or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.

3/4 c. dried cranberries and 3/4 c. flaked coconut can be added to this recipe for variety.

Added 8/29/15