Hummingbird Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 eggs
2 cups mashed ripe bananas
1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

Pineapple Frosting
1/4 cup shortening
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2 teaspoons half-and-half cream
Chopped walnuts, optional

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Add eggs, bananas, oil, pineapple and vanilla; beat until combined. Stir in walnuts.

Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, in a large mixing bowl, beat shortening, butter, lemon peel and salt until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar alternately with pineapple juice. Beat in the cream. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with walnuts if desired. Makes 12-14 servings.