Banana Bread or Muffins

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening or butter
3 mashed bananas
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda (dissolved in 1/2 cup of hot water)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups flour
* 1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Cream sugar and butter (or shortening). Add bananas and egg. Add dry ingredients separatley, then mix with batter and add water. Add nuts.

*Add hot water if batter is stiff.

Bake at 375 degrees for 1/2 hour for muffins. 40-45 min. for loaves.