Great Gramma's Banana Nut Bread

1/2 c. solid shortening
2 beaten eggs
2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
3 ripe bananas, mashed well
1 c. chopped pecans
1/8 tsp. salt

Cream sugar and shortening, then add eggs, milk and bananas. Add flour gradually with salt. Add nuts and vanilla. Add soda last in about 3 teaspoons of hot water and add while it is still foaming. Bake in greased loaf pan at 325 degrees for approximately 1 hour. Test for doneness in 45 to 50 minutes.