Banana Nut Cake

2 1/2 c flour
1 2/3 c granulated sugar
1 1/4 t baking powder
1 1/4 t baking soda
1 t salt
2/3 c Crisco shortening
2/3 c buttermilk (or sour milk ) divided
1 1/2 c ripe bananas, mashed
3 lg eggs
2/3 c chopped nuts, toasted
Buttercream Icing
4 c confectioners' sugar
1 c Hi-Ration shortening, or Crisco
1/4 c milk
1/4 c Fudge Icing Base, (optional)
1 t vanilla, or white vanilla

Sift together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixing bowl, add shortening, 1/3 cup buttermilk and bananas. Beat about 2 to 3 minutes until well mixed.
Add the eggs and the other 1/3 cup of buttermilk and mix together.
Add the sifted dry ingredients. Beat together until well mixed but don't overmix.
Add chopped nuts and mix.

Pour into lightly greased and floured 8-inch round pans and bake in a 350 degree oven 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Frost with buttercream frosting (recipe below) or your favorite frosting.

Icing:
Add all ingredients to mixer and mix until thoroughly blended and fluffy.