Banana Bread

1 cup sugar (I use 1/2 cup white & 1/2 cup brown)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
3 bananas mashed
2 eggs well beaten
1 tsp baking soda
1 TB hot water
2 cups flour
1/2 cup nuts (chopped) - optional
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Cream sugar, salt & shortening well. Add mashed bananas, beaten eggs & soda dissolved in hot water. Add flour until mixed. Add nuts last. Pour into greased baking dish. I find this recipe bakes better in a casserole bake dish or 9 x 11 dish than in a loaf pan. Loaf pan (at least 40 min) Casserole dish (30 min) 9 x 11 dish (20 min). Just check with a toothpick.