Banana Cupcakes

Ingredients:

    * 1/2 cup shortening

    * 1 1/2 cups sugar

    * 2 eggs

    * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    * 1 cup mashed ripe bananas

    * 1/4 cup buttermilk

    * 2 cups all-purpose flour

    * 1 teaspoon baking powder

    * 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

    * 1/2 teaspoon salt

FROSTING:

    * 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

    * 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

    * 3 tablespoons milk

Method:

   1. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, bananas and buttermilk. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to banana mixture. Fill 18 paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.

   2. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. In a small mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar and enough milk to achieve desired spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes.