Banana Bread from Cleo Smith

[This recipe was acquired from my mom's friend from American Fork, where she grew up.]

Makes 2 loaves.

Grease and flour TWO 9x5x3 bread pans (may use whatever combination of pans you prefer).

Mash in a medium bowl:

5 large bananas

In mixer, cream together:

1 c. shortening

2 c. sugar

Add bananas

and

4 beaten eggs to mixer and combine.

Sift:

4 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1-2 tsp. salt

Stir into banana mixture.

(Optional: 1 c. walnuts may be added now.)

Do not over mix.

Pour into greased, floured bread pans. (Fill each pan 1/2 to 2/3 full.)

Bake at 325 for approximately 50 min. or until poker comes out clean.*

*Hint: If poker is almost clean and crust is getting too dark, I take them out of the oven and cover them with a clean towel to allow residual heat to finish baking.