Banana Bread

2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup shortening
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
3 cups flour
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoon soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Cream shortening and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time.  Add bananas and vanilla.  Mix well.  Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.  Makes 2 9x5 loaf pans.  Bake 350 degrees for 45-50 min.  Cool.  Freezes well.