Banana Nut Bread

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. mashed bananas (2 - 3 ripe, but not over-ripe)
2 c. unbleached flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350.

Thoroughly grease 1 large loaf pan, or 4 small pans, or line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

In large mixing bowl, cream butter & sugar on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Blend in banana. Gently stir in flour & baking powder, do not overbeat. Fold in nuts.

Gently spoon into pan. (Or pans, or muffin cups.)

Bake large loaf for 1 hour, small loaves for 25 - 30 minutes, or muffins for 18 minutes. Bread should be light golden brown & center should test clean. Do not over bake, or you will have delicious but crumbly results!

Remove from pans immediately & cool on wire rack. Store tightly covered/wrapped in fridge or freeze for later use.