Banana Bread-two ways

By Stephanie

I have been making this banana bread since my first kido was a baby.  It was one of his favorite things growing up.  Still is. 

My friend Jami had some banana bread on a picnic with chocolate chips in it.  She asked “doesn’t everyone put chocolate chips in banana bread?”  Uhmmm…..no.  Not yet.  So I did and it was a hit.  Of course. 

The second loaf I made had almonds and coconut  added in.  My one kido has nut allergies so she couldn't have any.  Too bad, just more for me. 

Banana Bread Recipe

makes 2 loaves

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/2 butter, softened

2 eggs

3-4 medium bananas mashed (don’t wait until too brown, just tuning is perfect)

1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tsp vinegar added and let sit)

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped nuts, 1 cup coconut.

In medium mixing bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt, set aside.  In small bowl mash bananas with fork until no large clumps remain.  Mix eggs in with buttermilk and beat to combine.  In large mixing bowl mix sugar and butter with wooden spoon.  Add in eggs and milk mixture along with vanilla.  Stir till completely combined.  Add in everything else and mix just until flour is mixed in.  Pour into two greased bread pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.  Just until top cracks or is golden brown.  Let cool.  Slice and serve.