Mama's Banana Bread

2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
4 eggs
2 c. mashed bananas (about 4 med.)
5 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. buttermilk
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. chopped pecans
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Add mashed bananas. Stir together flour and baking powder and add to creamed mixture. Thoroughly blend buttermilk and soda; add this, pecans and vanilla to batter. Mix well. Turn into 3 loaf pans that have been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.