Holiday Banana Bread

1 egg
1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. chopped Maraschino cherries
1 c. sugar
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. chopped nuts

In large bowl beat egg, sugar, shortening, banana and vanilla until smooth. Sift flour and soda together and blend into banana mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into greased bread pans, 1 regular size or 2 small pans. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) 1 hour 15 minutes or until done.