Chris's Banana Bread Recipe

I think every family has a special cookbook that has stains and flour dusted on its pages. Often, it is a cherished, well-used cookbook. Well, this recipe comes from my husband's family's well-loved cookbook. He has made it for me several times and it seems quite reliable for a Banana Bread recipe (they can be tricky).

INGREDIENTS:
1 c sugar or honey
1/3 c vegetable oil or soft butter
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 c milk
2 c flour, wheat or white
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1) Beat sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla and mashed bananas until light and fluffy.

2) Add milk, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

3) Mix until well-blended. Stir in nuts (if desired).

4) Pour into greased and floured loaf pan or pans.

5) Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Yields: 1 4x8" loaf or 3 3x5 3/4" loaves

For Apple Bread: prepare as directed, replacing bananas with 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup).