Banana nut bread

INGREDIENTS:

* 1/3 cup shortening (may substitute 1/2 cup butter softened)
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 3/4 cups flour
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1 cup mashed bananas
* 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

PREPARATION:
In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and raisins, dates.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together.

Beat in eggs; mix well. Mix in banana mixture. Stir in flour mixture and chopped pecans or walnuts. Spread batter in a greased and floured 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350° for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove to rack to cool completely.

Black beans with banana and brown rice

Ingredients:

1 can black beans
1 Tbs red wine vinegar
1/2 banana
1 tsp crushed red pepper
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Serve over brown rice. Enjoy!