Banana Bread

PREP

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F

2. Spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan (price options range from $1.25- $30.00+ options)

3. 2 large mixing bowls

4. Measuring spoons

5. Toothpick

6. To toast pecans or walnuts, bake at 350 degrees on a baking sheet  for 6 min (toss them every 2 min to ensure they don’t burn)

7. Make sure you have your oven mittens ready

BATTER

1. In a bowl, mix the following dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves.

2. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas in with the butter and sour cream (or vegetable oil), and then mix in sugar (or dates), vanilla, and eggs. 

3. Combine the dry ingredients with the banana mixture

4. Mix in  ¾ of the toasted pecans or walnuts 

5. Lastly, save the ¼ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for the next step

BAKE

1. Spread the batter into the loaf pan evenly 

2. Sprinkle the ¼ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts to decorate the top

3. Then bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 min

REMOVE BREAD FROM OVEN

1. Make sure to wear oven mitts before removing bread from the oven

2. Toothpick test (stick a toothpick in the center of the bread, if it comes out without gooey batter, it’s cooked all the way)

3. Place bread on a wire rack or stovetop to cool for 20 min

REMOVE BREAD FROM PAN

1. With a knife, gently shimmy the space between the pan and the bread

2. Then with mittens, turn the pan on its side and use the knife to slide the bread from the pan gently 

3. Then let cool for an additional 15 minutes (if you can wait that long)