Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (2 to 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
• non-stick cooking spray

Preparation -
Spray a 9" x 5" loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips and pecans. Beat at medium speed until well mixed. Stir in the mini-chips and pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° for 60 to 65 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.