Banana Nut Bread

(Shared recipe submitted by Beth Granger.)

Makes one loaf

Beth writes: "Enjoy the bread below. It is also great for Halloween or Thanksgiving if you alter it with the cranberries ... yum!"

Ingredients

• 1 stick softened butter (4 ounces)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 beaten large eggs
• 2-3 mashed bananas
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
• 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring (optional)

Mix together soft butter and sugar with mixer until blended well. Mix the orange juice and baking soda together; set aside for a moment. Then beat the eggs and pour into the bowl with the butter and sugar. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and orange juice mixture and mix together well. Then beat in the flour and you can add your flavorings at this time if you would like. Stir in the chopped nuts and then pour batter into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350° F. for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean. This is good served with soft cream cheese.

Notes: Baking time may vary depending on other ingredients (see below) that are added. This bread freezes well.

Variations: Prepare recipe above. Then stir in one or more of the following ingredients:

• 8-1/2 ounce can drained chopped pineapple
• 3/4 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup cleaned blueberries or cranberries

About Beth: Beth is from Tallahassee, Florida. Not only does she love cooking, she loves chimps and spends part of her time helping the unwanted ones. Ask her about it. Her e-mail address is GRANGER.BETH@myfloridahouse.com.

Additional recipes submitted by Beth: