Banana Nut Bread

Banana nut bread is one of those recipes that every family has and loves. It is easy to make and is great for dessert or breakfast. You can add nuts, leave them out, or you can throw in some chocolate chips instead. It is very versatile and you can adapt it to your taste which makes it that much better.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 C. Butter
1 C. Sugar
2 Eggs – beaten
3 Ripe Bananas – mashed
1 Tsp. Vanilla
2 C. Flour
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 Tsp Salt (1/4 tsp if using fine salt)
1 C. Pecans – Chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl combine the butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy and pale yellow. Add the eggs one at a time until well combined. Add the bananas and mix well.
2. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the banana mixture and fold together until just combined. Add in the pecans and vanilla. Mix to combine.
3. Butter and flour a loaf pan (or line with parchment paper and oil spray) and pour in the batter and spread evenly.
4. Bake at 250* for 1 1/2 hours or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check by sticking a toothpick into the center of the loaf and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs you can remove from the oven.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Remove from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

• Substitute the pecans with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips.
• Slice into 1/2-inch slices, wrap each slice in plastic, and place them in a ziplock bag. Place in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Serve as a dessert by itself, with ice cream, or served at breakfast with a good cup of coffee.
• If you want to bake this at a higher temp, you can bake at 325* for 1 hour or so or until cooked completely through and golden brown.