Banana Bread

1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. mashed bananas
1 t. vanilla
2 c. flour
3 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 c. nuts

Mix shortening, sugar, and eggs. Add remaining ingredients. Bake 1 hour at 325.

*Baking Tips

1. I use my standard low-fat baking trick on this recipe – I use butter instead of shortening, and only do half of the called for amount. I also do only 3/4 c. sugar rather than 1 c.
2. I bake the bread for only 55 minutes rather than 60 so it doesn’t dry out from overcooking.
3. I add 2 or 3 T. of milled flax seed to add some extra protein, omega-3 fats, and iron.