Move over Betty Crocker!

My love for baking comes from one single factor, the lingering smell of fresh baked bread, cookies, brownies, cakes, pastries, cinnamon rolls, pies, etc, etc.  I can not get enough of it! If I could, I think fresh baked goods is all I would ever eat. Hence my latest baking kick- Banana Bread! Hey, at least with my one unhealthy obsession I am trying to throw a fruit into the mix! (ah, Becky)

I have tried three recipes for banana bread in the last mmmmm... month? I say move over Betty Crocker because she was my least favorite of the three banana bread attempts, I tried a recipe from Better Homes and Gardens, which I do recommend and I received a recipe from my sister-in-law's sister, who is also named Karen (and spelled right too!) Her recipe wins my taste buds! Don't believe me, try it!

This is the full recipe. Today I felt like making half a loaf, so I cut the ingredients in half!

recipe

2 c. sugar
1 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
6 very ripe bananas
4 lg. eggs, well beaten
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. grated orange rind (I use dried)
2 1/2 c. cake flour, sifted (I just use regular flour & don't sift)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Cream sugar & butter until light and fluffy. Add bananas, eggs, lemon juice and orange rind; beat until well-blended.
Sift together dry ingredients and fold lightly into the banana mixture.
Can add 1/2-3/4 c. chopped walnuts.

Divide between two buttered loaf pans.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes.