HOMEMADE BANANA LAYER CAKE

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup mashed ripe banana (3 medium)
1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk*
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add banana, buttermilk or sour milk, shortening, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed till combined. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into prepared pans.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven 30 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on racks.

*Note: To make 1/2 cup sour milk, combine 1/2 cup milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar and let stand for 5 minutes before using.