Step #1 In a small bowl, baking soda, baking powder, sift flour, salt & vanilla pudding mix.
Step #2 In a large mixing bowl beat sugar & shortening until light, scraping sides of the bowl often.
Step #3 Add the eggs one at a time, beating smooth after each addition.
Step #4 Mix in the milk.
Step #5 Add flour mixture & mashed bananas alternately to creamed mixture, beating until smooth after each addition.
Step #6 Fold in nuts if desired.
Step #7 Pour batter into a lightly greased 8x4 inch loaf pan.
Step #8 Bake in a cold, (non-preheated) oven set to 350 degrees F.
Step #9 Bake for 50 mins, then cover with foil wrap to prevent burning & bake for extra 10 to 20 mins or until toothpick inserted into the crown comes out clean.
Step #10 Leave in pan for 10 mins, then remove this from pan & cool.