Banana Bread, from Erin

Banana Bread, from Erin

Erin gave this to Gael at her bridal shower. Gael says: It’s become legendary among my friends as “THAT banana bread.” It's so easy and versatile--a cup of cocoa turns it chocolate, a teaspoon of almond or orange flavoring can be added, nuts are good in it if you like them...whatever. Erin says: “I have made this so often I know it by heart. Nobody who has had my banana bread says they have ever had one that’s better!”

1 egg
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine, melted
3 medium bananas
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat egg. Add sugar and butter. Mash banana with fork, add and beat well. Add vanilla. Add flour, baking soda and salt; beat well.

Grease and flour two small or one large loaf pan. Pour batter in and bake at 375 F for 45-50 minutes, or until top is firm and solid. (If only one loaf, it could take more than an hour.) Cool in pans for 10 minutes, slide out and cool completely.