One and three-fourths cups sifted all-purpose flour
Two and three-fourths teaspoons double-action baking powder
One-half teaspoon salt
One-third cup shortening
Two-thirds cup sugar
Two slightly beaten eggs
One cup mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4)
One-half cup chopped nuts
One cup mixed candied fruits and peels
One-fourth cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (moderate oven)
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Beat shortening until creamy and glossy; 300 strokes by hand or 2 minutes at medium speed on electric mixer. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy after each addition. Add eggs and beat until thick and pale lemon in color. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with bananas, blending thoroughly after each addition. Fold in nuts, fruits, peels and raisins.
Grease bottom only of a loaf pan (approximately 4 1/2" by 8 1/2" by 9".
Turn batter into pan. Bake 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and dry.
Let bread partially cool in pan (20-30) before turning onto rack. Cool thoroughly before wrapping for storage.
Makes 1 loaf.
