Blue Ridge Banana Bread
Makes 1 loaf

Prep Time: 15 min.
Baking Time: 70 min.

Ingredients:

• 1-3/4 - cup all-purpose flour
• 2 - Tablespoons baking powder
• 1/4 - teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 - teaspoon salt
• 1/3 - cup shortening
• 2/3 - cup sugar
• 2 - eggs
• 3 - ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 - cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another mixing bowl, beat shortening until creamy.
2. Then gradually add sugar to shortening and beat until light and fluffy. Now add the eggs and continue to beat.
3. To the creamy shortening, begin to slowly alternate adding the flour mixture and bananas.
4. You want to put in a small amount at a time. Mix after each addition, only enough to moisten dry ingredients. Now, add the nuts if desired.
5. Turn into greased and floured loaf pan and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until bread is done.