Ultimate Banana Bread
from Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook
1 ¾ C all purpose flour
1 teas. Baking soda
6 large VERY ripe bananas
8 Tbles. Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 lg. eggs
¾ c packed light brown sugar
1 teas. Vanilla
½ c. toasted, chopped walnuts(optional)
2 teas. Sugar
Heat oven 350 degrees. Place bananas in large bowl in microwave 5 minutes until juices released; Mash until smooth; add butter, eggs, brown sugar and vanilla. Pour mixture into flour and baking soda; gently mix until just combined; streaks of flour will show. Fold in nuts and pour into 4 ½” x 8 ½” loaf pan. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake 55-75 – depending on how hot your oven Cool 10 minutes; then turn onto rack and let cool 1 hour before serving.