BANANA BREAD

2 1/2 cups white or white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups sugar
2 cups over-ripe mashed bananas
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped nuts
1 tablespoon banana liqueur or dark rum

Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir to mix well.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together shortening, sugar, mashed bananas, and eggs. When well beaten, gradually add the flour mixture while mixture is at lowest speed. Mix only until combined.

Stir in the banana liqueur or rum and the chopped walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts.

Butter and flour a loaf pan. Bake for 65-70 minutes or until cake tests done (toothpick inserted in center comes out clean).

Remove from oven and allow to sit for several minutes. Run a bread knife around edges of loaf pan to free it from sides and remove from pan. Rub the top of the still-warm loaf with a pat of butter to soften and glaze the top, if desired.

Serve with whipped cream cheese spread on each slice.