Norm's Banana Nut Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with shortening or cooking spray.

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl.

Combine the vegetable shortening and sugar in a large bowl, then beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time to the shortening mixture, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until combined.

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the banana mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined after each addition.

Fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.