Grandma V's Banana Bread

My mother made banana nut bread frequently when I was growing up, and it was one of the first "from scratch" baked goods I learned how to make. I've tweaked her recipe over the years, so now I suppose you could call it "Tutu Lorie's" banana bread as well. It's very simple and easy to make.


In a large mixing bowl, cream together until light and fluffy:

• 1 stick butter (Grandma used 1/2 cup shortening)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla (I started adding this some years ago)

Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Then add:

• 2 cups flour (I use half whole wheat)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2-3 mashed bananas
• chopped nuts (if you're into that sort of thing... Grandma was, I'm not)

Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about an hour. Or, you can bake in muffin tins for 20 minutes.

Let cool before keeping in a ziplock bag or other airtight container. It's wonderful hot from the oven, or toasted once it cools.


As an aside, if/when I move back to the mainland, I doubt I'll ever eat another banana. Living here in Hawaii has spoiled me with the fresh apple bananas everyone grows in their yards here. So tasty!


-Lorie!