Grandpa Whitman's Banana Bread

I really have no idea who Grandpa Whitman is but my mom always made this version of Banana Bread and I always have to, yummy and good!

1/2 Cup Shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp soda

3 overripe bananas, smashed

1/2 cup nuts

1 cup raisins (optional)

Cream the shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs. Stir dry ingredients together and stir into wet mixture. Add the bananas, mix well. Fold in the nuts and raisins if desired. Bake in a loaf pan at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until toothpick in the middle comes out clean.

**Try this: I made this last night and added about 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder to make a Chocolate Banana Bread! Super yummy!!

**Or this: I have also used frozen strawberries or mixed berries mashed in substitute of one or all of the bananas to make "Strawberry Banana Bread" or "Berry Bread", i use about 1/3 cup smashed berries per banana. (good plan when you buy an "on the way out" flat of strawberries at Town and Ghetto :)