BANANA CAKE

2 cups flour
1 ½ cup sugar
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. baking soda
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
½ cup buttermilk or sour milk
½ cup shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

In large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and ½ tsp. salt.  Add bananas, buttermilk, shortening, eggs and vanilla.  Beat with an electric mixer on low speed till combined; beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.  Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 8½ x 1½ or 9 x 1½ inch round pan.  Bake at 350* oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool on rack for 10 minutes.  Remove from pans; cool on racks.  Serves 12.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

The tangy flavor of the cream cheese provides a nice accent to both cakes and cookies.

2 (3oz.) packages cream cheese
½ cup softened margarine or butter
2 tsp. vanilla
4½ to 4¾ cups powered sugar

In a bowl beat together cream cheese, margarine or butter, and vanilla till light and fluffy.  Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating well.  Gradually beat in enough remaining powered sugar to make frosting of spreading consistency.  Frosts tops and sides of two 8 or 9 inch cake layers.  Cover cake; store in refrigerator.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:  Prepare as above, except substitute ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder for ¼ cup powdered sugar.