Banana Cupcakes

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup sour milk or buttermilk
1 cup mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Cream shortening and sugar together. Add eggs and beat well.

Sift together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add these ingredients to the shortening mixture alternately with milk and bananas. Stir in vanilla extract, raisins and nuts. Blend well. Spoon into greased muffin cups until half full (or use paper liners) Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes.

Yields 2 1/2 dozen cupcakes.