How To Bake Banana Bread

Equipment:

2 basic loaf pans
Hand mixer or stationery mixer
3 bowls (1 large, 1 medium, and 1 small)
Dinner plate and potato masher
Measuring cups and spoons, spatula

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rack in the middle of the oven so there is equal space top and bottom -- this will help the bread to cook evenly.

Basic Ingredients for two loaves:

1 cup shortening (or 1/2 cup shortening and 1/2 cup butter)
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups of mashed, ripe bananas
2 1/2 cups of flour
2 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon salt

Do a little preparation before starting the mixing process by measuring out all ingredients and lining them up in the order they will go into the recipe. This includes placing the bananas on the dinner plate and gently mashing them (four bananas will be enough for this recipe). Not only will you feel more efficient, but the batter will not sit around for any amount of time before going into the oven.

Grease and flour the two loaf pans and set aside.

In the large bowl, cream the shortening (or shortening/butter combination) and white sugar until fluffy. And then continue beating for about another minute or so -- it will get even a bit more fluffy. After cracking the eggs in a small bowl and checking there are no shells floating around, pour these over the mixture and blend thoroughly. Sift the flour, soda and salt into the medium-sized bowl, then add to mixture. Gently blend on a low speed until smooth. Set aside the blender and, using the spatula, gently fold in the mashed banana.

So, there is the basic recipe.

• But if you would like to add some twists to the batter before baking, you can add 1/2-3/4 cup of chopped pecans or chopped walnuts. Gently fold these in after the mashed bananas.
• Or, when you are sifting the flour, soda and salt, add about 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon or ground nutmeg. The kitchen will smell awesome while the bread is baking.
• Consider the few daring souls that will add additional fruit such as cranberries or raisins. Your taste buds will go wild.

Now that your batter is mixed and ready for baking, pour the batter evenly into the two loaf pans. With the spatula, gently push the batter into the corners so the top is relatively flat. This will assure a more even baking process. Bake the two loaves at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. The time is always approximate -- the best way to check for doneness is to gently touch the top center. If it is firm to the touch and springs back slightly, the bread is done.

Remove from oven and let cool completely before removing from the pans. Once the loaves are cooled, run a knife along all edges, turn upside down and let the loaf settle in your hand. Place right-side up on a plate.

Sweet additions:

• Make a white frosting and drizzle over cooled loaves. Slice and serve with butter.
• Slice, then spread a thin layer of cream cheese on bread.
• Sprinkle confectioner sugar over top of loaf. If these are for gift giving, decorate with dried fruit.

Hint:

• Use bananas that are fully ripe.
• Ripe bananas, unpeeled, can be stored in freezer bags and frozen until ready for use. When these bananas are defrosted, they will slip easily out of the peel and will be almost fully mashed.