A couple of years ago my grandmother had the brilliant idea to write down recipes shared by generations of my family. The book was filled with recipes that were written by her and by my Great-grandmothers. The book is very special to me. I feel as if I have a piece of history, knowing that other generations before me cooked the same food. There are so many awesome recipes in that book, but one of my favorites is for banana bread. This recipe was made by my grandmother and she claims that it is the moistest banana bread ever! She is totally right. My kids beg me to make this bread. It is usually gone the same day I make it!
Banana Bread
Ingredients needed, Serves 12
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
- Grease a bread loaf pan. Use either a non-stick cooking spray or the traditional method, shortening and flour. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
- While your oven is pre-heating, gather all of your ingredients together and place them on the counter.
- Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Using a mixer, either a hands free or a traditional one, cream margarine/butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Remove bananas from their peels. Put them in a bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash your bananas. After mashing the bananas, add them to the mixture.
- Mix the dry ingredients together. Blend them into the mixture slowly. Mix until well blended.
- If adding nuts, fold them into the batter.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the greased pan. Smooth the top and place in the oven.
- Bake in the oven for one hour and ten minutes depending on how hot your oven cooks.
- When ready, the bread should be golden brown. If not sure, you can do the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Take the bread out of the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- When cooled, slice and enjoy!
- Wrap and store the bread on the counter at room temperature.
When you bite into this bread, you may think that you have a little piece of heaven at your breakfast table, and you might be right. To make your taste buds even happier, top your bread with cream cheese or butter. Eat and enjoy!
stephanie milburn - Stephanie Milburn has a degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Houston and was an Executive Chef before becoming a mom. Now, ...
