Banana Walnut Bread

I must have baked goods on the brain. Well, that or I had bananas that were on the verge of going bad, so instead of throwing them out I made banana bread instead.

Wilson Farms, a local farmstand in Lexington, is a place I've gone since I was little. It's gigantic now by contrast to what it was back in the 80s. I remember it being this tiny little market with lots of fruit and veggies, and fresh bread, that sort of thing. I think there was a little bit of fresh poultry too, I'm not sure. Nowadays there's so much more to it, but I still am a huge fan of the place.

I'm getting off track. Anyway...

We totally loved Wilson's. Mom used to go there a lot, and she'd get a bunch of recipes on their little white papers with the logo at the top, that you could pick up for free at the registers. They still do that today, and when I go, I'll take a look at the back wall to see if anything new is there. Most times, I'll find one or two that catch my eye.

Back to this banana bread. I've found many different recipes but Wilson's version has always proved me tried and true. I've made variations on it at times-different flours, chocolate chips, but it always turns out just about perfect. Keep the nuts or omit them (personally I'd rather have them), it's up to you. I love how this bread is so versatile and yet so awesome, too.

This time I substituted whole wheat flour. 'Cause, you know, I was trying to make it better for you. Not sure if that actually worked, but the bread was still amazing. My mouth is watering. I feel like I need to go and have a slice right now.



Banana Bread (recipe from Wilson Farms, Lexington, MA)

2/3 c. sugar
1/3 butter or margarine, softened (I prefer butter!)
2 eggs
1 1/4 c. mashed, ripe banana (about 3-4 bananas)
2 Tbsp. milk
2 c. flour (I used whole wheat this time around)
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs. Stir in the banana and the milk.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet mixture.
Stir in any extras that you want. Wilson's calls for 1/2 c. chopped walnuts. I've used that, or chocolate chips, or sometimes both. This time I just used walnuts. Be creative and use whatever you want, or, if you prefer au natural, don't put anything extra in!