MAKES 1 LOAF
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts or assorted mixture
¼ cup cinnamon chips (optional)
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Whisk together flours, salt, baking soda and baking powder. In medium bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed, until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add mashed bananas and vanilla and incorporate well. Stir in nuts and cinnamon chips, if desired, to combine. Cinnamon chips add a nice flavor to the bread, but it is good without them. Transfer to prepared loaf pan. Bake 50–60 minutes or until bread is golden brown in color and starts to pull away from the pan. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly, then invert onto the rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in airtight container.
DAVID WINANS, SIMPSONVILLE