Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease bottom and sides of two 8 x 4 or 9 x 5 loaf pans with shortening. Dust with flour and tap off excess. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk dry ingredients using low speed of electric mixer to aerate. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together liquid ingredients until well blended. Mix liquid and dry ingredients just until blended; don't overmix. Divide batter into 2 prepared pans. Top with chopped walnuts or cashew nuts. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a wooden skewer or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes in wire rack before serving.