This is a delicious bread with afternoon tea or morning coffee. It is often used at church as a treat for guests.
½ cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup mashed overripe bananas
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a bread loaf pan. In a small bowl cream the shortening and the sugar together. In a separate bowl beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Add the lemon juice and the mashed bananas. Blend the egg mixture with the shortening mixture. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Mix quickly into the banana mixture. Add the pecans, if desired. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Hint: Add ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.
YIELD: 1 LOAF