Banana Apricot Bread

1 3/4 cups sifted flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup crushed walnuts
1/3 cup shortening
1 - 1 1/4 cups ripe banana (mashed)
1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots (optional)
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp lemon rind (grated)
1/2 tsp salt
1 - 2 beaten eggs

The secret to this recipe is to have all ingredients at room temperature before mixing.

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• First sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
• In a separate bowl, blend until creamy the shortening, sugar and lemon. Beat in the eggs and mashed banana until well mixed. Add the above sifted dry ingredients one-third at a time, beating the batter smooth each time. Fold in the nuts and apricots (if used).
• Pour the batter into a well greased loaf pan.
• Bake one hour or until tooth pick comes out clean.
• Cool completely before slicing.

This recipe is from The Joy of Cooking cookbook.