1 ½ cups unsifted all-purpose flour
½ cup shortening
½ cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 small)
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Confectioners sugar (optional)
Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large mixing bowl; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add mashed bananas and eggs; stir just until blended.
Pour into greased and floured 9¼ x 5¼ x 2¾ -inch loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 50 to 55 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack; sprinkle with confectioners sugar.
Variation
Fruited Chocolate Banana Bread: Add 1 cup raisins or finely chopped dried apricots to batter.