Food Friday: Banana Bread

If you've been freezing bananas, this is a great recipe to use them in. When I have time, I make several loaves at once and freeze them so I always have fresh bread on hand when company comes or I'm asked to bring food to something. This recipe is courtesy of old faithful Betty Crocker.

Banana Bread

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup mashed banana (3 medium)
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 tsp finely shredded lemon peel (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1. Grease the loaf pan (I use one medium or several small ones). In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp salt. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture; set aside.

2. In another bowl combine the egg, bananas, sugar, cooking oil, and, if desired, lemon peel. Add egg mixture all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened. Fold in nuts if desired.

3. Spoon batter into the prepared pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven 50-55 minutes or till a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, cool on rack.