Banana Bread With Pecans

Ever wonder what you should do with those browning bananas on your counter? My favorite thing to do is make banana bread. It's quick and easy, and most likely you have all of the ingredients in your house already!


INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4-5 overripe bananas
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. Mash 2 of the bananas with a fork in a small bowl so they still have a bit of texture.
4. With an electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk, whip the remaining bananas and sugar together for a good 3 minutes; you want a light and fluffy banana cream.
5. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla; beat well and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
6. Mix in the dry ingredients just until incorporated; no need to overly blend.
7. Fold in the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Rotate the pan periodically to ensure even browning.
9. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes or so, and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.