Banana Squares

from: Taste of Home, 1997

Prep: 25-30 minutes
Bake: 45-50 minutes
Makes 12-16 servings

2 eggs, separated
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium)
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup sour milk*
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Whipped cream and sliced bananas for topping (optional)

*To sour milk, place 1 tsp. of white vinegar in 1/4 cup. Add enough milk to equal the 1/4 cup.*

IN a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; set aside.

IN a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg yolks; mix well. Add bananas.

COMBINE flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Fold in egg whites. Fold in nuts if desired.

POUR into a greased 13 x 9 baking pan.

BAKE at 350 for 45-50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

IF desired, serve with whipped cream and a few banana slices.