Banana Bread!

Do you want to hear a funny story? If not keep scrolling until you get to the recipe. Anyway last night I was cleaning our kitchen when all of a sudden I find two bananas in a sandwich bag. Apparently no one had taken it upon themselves to use them or throw them away. So at 10:00 pm I decide to make some banana bread, why I didn't just wait until today is beyond me. The best part about these bananas? They are all brown with maybe two yellow spots on them. Yep, you read that right. They were WAY past ripe, but for those of you who don't know these are the best bananas to use. They are much easier to mash into a paste-like material, and the actual banana flavor is stronger. Now I'm not saying to use six week old bananas that are shriveled and basically look like raisins, just make sure your bananas are soft and easily smashed.  

OK, on to the good stuff! Time to lace up the apron, and pull out the measuring cups and mixing bowl because you are about to bake. 

Banana Bread

Recipe adapted from: Better Homes and Gardens cook book

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp(teaspoons) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter (or margarine)  

Directions:

1. Pre-heat  the oven to 350, and grease either one 9x5x3 inch pan or two 7.5x3.5x2 inch loaf pans.
2. OK, in your main mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. I suggest sifting your flour (though it is not necessary) because this can cause your bread to become lighter. 
3. Peel the bananas and using a fork mash them in a medium sized bowl. 
4. Add the eggs, sugar, and oil to the bananas and mix well. 
5. Combine the banana mixture with the flour and spices and mix until the batter is completely moistened and slightly lumpy.  
6. Pour batter into loaf pan(s) until it is about half way filled. 
7. For 9x5x3 inch pan bake for 55-60 minutes
8. For 7.5x3.5x2 inch  pans bake for 40-45 minutes.
9. Check bread about ten minutes prior to recommended time by sticking a fork or toothpick in the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clean your bread is done and no longer needs to bake. 
10. cool, cut, and enjoy =)

Yum! Who doesn't love warm banana bread with a little butter?