Aloha Banana Bread

This is my favorite banana bread recipe, and I make it whenever I have 2 very ripe bananas laying around.  It is super super easy.  And delicious.  Irresistible really.  I keep finding excused to go to the kitchen and slice off a piece.  I got this recipe from my mom, and I don't know where she got it originally, but it is very good, especially if you love nuts and coconut and bananas.... and if you don't, you are missing out...

Here is what you need:

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1 cup mashed banans (2 medium)

1 T. grated orange peel (optional)

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup chopped nuts (I usually use walnuts or pecans, or a combo)

Here is what you do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Mix all the ingredients.  I usually whisk the dry ingredients, then cream the butter in a mixer, then add the other wet ingredients to the butter, and then gradually add the flour mixture.  Finally, I manually stir in the coconut and nuts.  I don't think any of this really matters.  Just get it all mixed up good.

3.  Grease a 9 X 5 loaf pan.  

4. Pour in the batter.

5.  Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes, until a dark brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool in the pan for a few minutes, and then turn onto a rack to cool completely.  Eat it warm with butter! YUM.