Banana Bread

Banana Bread

1 3/4 cups flour
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium bananas)
1/3 cup shortening, margarine, or butter
2 Tablespoons milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt.  Add mashed bananas, shortening, and milk. Beat until blended, then beat longer until batter is smooth.  Add eggs and remaining flour.  Beat until blended.  Stir in nuts.

Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake in a 350 F oven for times as below, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.  Remove from pan, cool thoroughly.  Wrap and store overnight before slicing.  Makes 1 8x4 loaf or 4 mini (4x2) loaves.

8x4 loaf pan back for 55-60 minutes
4 mini (4x2) loaves 30 minutes at 375 F

From Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook