Banana Bread

Three bananas were going brown on my counter today. So this evening I made some banana bread. Tim and I each had a slice with some butter while it was still warm. Mmm good. And oh, so easy. And isn't the cutting board pretty? My son-in-law made it and gave it to me for my birthday last October.

Banana Bread

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (about 3 medium) ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional - and I leave out)

Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, beating until smooth. Blend in mashed bananas.

Stir flour with baking soda, baking powder, salt and nuts (if using). Add to banana mixture, stirring only to moisten. Transfer to greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 12 x 7 cm) greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees (180 C) for about 1 hour, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove from pan and place on cake rack to cool. Wrap to store. Yields: 1 loaf.

**You can add 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavour.