Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I grew up on this bread and it is a family favorite.  You can always omit the chocolate chips and add chopped walnuts if you want.  But, I always go for the chocolate! 

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1/2 cup butter shortening 

(If you do not like using shortening you can substitute with butter).

4 eggs

4 ripe bananas

2 tsp soda

1 cup cold water

1 1/2 cups sugar

5 cups flour

2tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

1 bag chocolate chips

Mash bananas and combine with water and soda. Set aside.  Cream shortening and sugar together.  Add eggs 1 at a time.  Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.  Alternate dry mixture with the banana mixture into the sugar mixture.  Add vanilla and chocolate chips.  Grease bread pans.   This will make 4 regular size loaves or 8 mini loaves.  I really like the mini loaves the best.  Bake at 360 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown and center has cooked completely through.