Banana Bars

My young'uns think this treat is even more special than 'nana bread. Mos'ta the time, I jes' leave out the frostin', and nobody don't never complain (they ain't fools!)...Al'tho if ya do have the time, the frostin' makes a mighty fine treat. This recipe come from a tore-up ol' copy of Taste of Home's Quick Cooking.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 3⁄4 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup  mashed ripe banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped  nuts

• FROSTING

• 1⁄2 cup  packed brown sugar (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup butter (optional)
• 6  tablespoons milk (optional)
• 2 1⁄2-3  cups powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Cream together shortening and the sugars.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in bananas and vanilla.
4. Combine flour, soda and salt, then add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
5. Stir in nuts.
6. Pour into a Pam-Sprayed 13x9" pan.
7. Bake at 350* for 25 to 30 minutes, or till a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
8. Cool before frosting: For frosting: combine brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan.
9. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
10. Remove from heat.
11. Cool a bit.
12. Gradually beat in powdered sugar till frosting reaches a good spreading consistency.