The BEST Banana Bread **Holiday Bread Series**

Banana bread.  One of my favorite breads to make.  The smell that fills the house when you are baking it ... the softness of the bread ... amazing on so many levels.  Not to mention the fact that you can create so many different types of banana bread just by adding different mixers, such as walnuts, chocolate chips, cranberries ... the list goes on and on.

So what is the appeal of making your own bread at home?

I think it's important to bake with your family.  Cooking creates memories that will last with your children all their lives.  They love to be helpers as well!  Banana bread is great because it's a fun toddler activity!  You need banana's squished??  A toddler's dream.  You need those eggs beaten?  No problem!  Get them involved in the kitchen and not only will they appreciate the food more, but will enjoy helping and having a part of the process.

There is also the point of knowing what you are feeding your family.  Yes, you can buy bread from a store and it's great and tasty ... but give your family something homemade and you control the salt, sugar, quality of ingredients.  You know exactly what they are eating, and to me, that is extremely important.

So let's get baking!!  What do we need?

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 capful of vanilla extract
• 3 overripe, mashed bananas

Start by greasing your bread loaf pan and heat your oven to 350 degrees.

Next we are going to mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, vanilla extract and salt.  In a separate bowl beat the eggs into the butter.  Once well combined add to your dry mixture and combine together.

Now comes the FUN part!  This is where the kids can have a blast!  Take your 3 over-ripe bananas and put into a bowl.  Then, mash with a fork.  The reason for over-ripe bananas is because they are soft and at their peak of sweetness - this is perfect for our banana bread.

Once you, (or the kids) have finished mashing the bananas, add to your bread mix.  Combine well.  And there you have it - your banana bread mix.  Super simple but is overflowing with flavor.

Pour into the greased loaf pan and place into the oven for 60-65 minutes.  You want to cook until you insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean.  Prepare yourself for the shouts of joy from your family, "Mom - it smells so good in here!"  

That crusty, cracked top is perfection in my book when it comes to bread.  This is what I want!  

And the final result ... moist and delicious banana bread.  Perfect with coffee or any time of the day.

Cheers!

~Jacqui