Mama Cabaj's Banana Bread

Recipes from Mom are always the best, aren't they? Banana muffins were always popular in my house growing up, so this recipe for Banana Bread/Banana Muffins is my go-to recipe when it comes to using up the bunch of over-ripe bananas collecting in my freezer.

This recipe is super easy and quick to mix up, but I have found the bake time varies with each loaf I make, so just make sure to keep an eye on it. If you are making muffins instead, cut the bake time down to 35 to 45 minutes. This bread is delicious, and I have to say, it's hard to stop after only one slice.

* Note: I have also tried to turn this bread into "Healthy" Banana Bread, and have had some success. Replace the 1/2 c. butter with 1/2 c. of unsweetened applesauce, the 1 c. sugar with 3/4 c. honey + 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and opt to use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1 c. sugar
• 4 over-ripe bananas (mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 2-1/2 c. flour
• 1 to 1-1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix butter, sugar, milk, and eggs.
3. Add mashed bananas.
4. In separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Add to banana mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Add chocolate chips.
6. Pour mixture into greased loaf pan and bake for 75-90 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Wait until bread has cooled completely to remove from pan.