Banana Bread

Four generations in my family have been eating this banana bread. It is so simple, but tasty. There's nothing secret about a good ratio of flour, sugar, and oil. I add my own twist to the family recipe by adding vanilla extract to the batter (extra vanilla to just about any baked good makes it even better) and sprinkling sugar on top before baking in the oven (which makes for a sweet, crystalized top).

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Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 cups flour

• 3 large ripe bananas (1.5 cups mashed)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1-2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• 1 cup mix-ins such as chocolate chips or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cream butter (softened) and sugar.

3. Add eggs and optional vanilla.

4. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mash bananas; add to batter.

6. Pour mixture into greased loaf pan.

7. Sprinkle additional sugar on top.

8. Bake for 1 hour. (Depending on your oven, it may be done anywhere between 55 minutes 65 minutes. Keep an eye on your banana bread as it nears the end of baking. You can tell if it is done by inserting a toothpick into the middle. If the toothpick comes out with just solid bread-like bits stuck to it and not wet mush, your bread is done.)

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Banana bread serves as both a breakfast item and a dessert in my house. Slap some butter on a slice and let me know if you enjoyed this recipe in the comments!