Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Flour and grease two loaf pans or muffin pans. In the bowl of an electric mixer blend the bananas, vanilla, eggs and sugar with the shortening until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients flour, baking soda and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just blended. If you wish to add nuts - add with dry ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 1 hour - loaf pan and muffin pan about 30 minutes until the bread is beautifully browned and springs back when touched in the middle.