Banana Bread, the Very Best

adapted from Martha Stewart

Yield: 1 loaf pan

Preheat oven: 350° F.

1/2 cup butter, room temperature (1 stick), plus additional for the pan

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup mashed bananas (very ripe, about 3)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Prepare a loaf pan (9 X 5 X 3) with butter and set aside.

In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time beating after each to incorporate.

Mix together the flour, soda and salt in a separate bowl. Add this to the butter mixture. Mix until combined. Stir in the bananas, vanilla, and sour cream. Stir in the nuts.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake the cake until a tester, inserted in the center of the loaf, comes out clean, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove from the oven. Allow the bread to rest for 10 minutes and turn out onto a rack to cool.

Note: I have made the recipe four times, using different ovens. Each time I have removed the bread after about 58 minutes. I would recommend checking the bread after 55 minutes and then watch closely as it finishes up quickly!