Banana Bread. Simple. Delicious.

Fall is a comin'!!  Yes it is!  The end of this summer has been SO hot, I welcome fall!  I love the turning of the leaves, and the crisp morning air.  Halloween and Thanksgiving, I mean, what is not to love about fall?!?

In the house, it means new smells for candles.  Apples, Cinnamon, sugar cookie candles, the list goes on!  And in the kitchen it means soups, breads, and all things that warm you from the inside out!  Warm breads with butter dripping off.............YUM!

This recipe is a very simple recipe. It makes the perfect little loaf of bread and it freezes fabulously.  I am not a huge fruit fan, of any kind.  But.....banana bread, well, banana bread is a whole different ballgame folks.  I did not put nuts in this loaf since it was for my sister who hates them.  Normally I would definitely add in nuts and maybe even some choc chips!  Shhhh......don't tell anyone!  And for the record, I don't even smash the bananas first, it all goes head first into my stand mixer and POOF.  Magic.

So, in order to properly greet the new season, make this bread, and have a warm piece with a great cup of coffee on a Saturday morning!  AND.....have you ever made french toast from banana bread?  Uh-huh....put that idea in your back pocket my friends!

You will need:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened but NOT melted
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
4 large bananas
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup nuts (optional)
2 tbsp melted butter and 2 tbsp brown sugar for the top (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a bowl combine all ingredients except flour.  Mix until completely combined.  Add in flour and mix just until it is mixed in.   If you are adding nuts, fold them in at this time as well.  Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes. 

This bread is so good.  And could it be simpler?  When you take it out, while it is still hot, you can drizzle a little melted butter over the top and then sprinkle on some brown sugar and let it melt!

Your "autumn is in the air" chefwannabe