Bonus: Classic Banana Bread

Banana bread is a staple in our home. It is easy to make and goodness knows we often have bananas that don't get eaten and I toss those in the freezer for later. This recipe is so easy and can be adjusted to accommodate what you have on hand, add blueberries, Yes! Crumble topping, Yes! Nuts. if you must. Chocolate, Yes! (I will include options below the recipe for your adjustment pleasures)

Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups very ripe mashed bananas (usually 3-4 depending on size, I keep browned bananas in the freezer and then microwave to soften. I am so lazy that once I can take the peel off, I add the butter to the bowl with the bananas and microwave them together, smush them all up and let them cool a bit before using them)

6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

2 large eggs

1/4 plain yogurt or sour cream 

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a loaf pan, either butter/flour or baking spray. Mix the flour, sugar, brown sugar and baking soda in a bowl. In another bowl mix the bananas, butter, eggs, yogurt/or sour cream, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just barely combined. If adding any 'mix ins' then add those when there are still a few streaks of flour left. No overmixing! Pour into the loaf pan and spread evenly. If using a crumble, add that now. You can also top with a few spoons of turbinado or coarse sugar. Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil to protect it. 

*If adding nuts, use about 1 cup of toasted nuts of your choice 

*If adding chocolate, use 1/2 cup of grated chocolate or mini chips

*If adding blueberries or other such things with a higher moisture content, use 1 to 1 1/2 cups, tossed in 1 tablespoon of flour before adding to the mixture.

*If topping with a crumble: Stir together 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup oats, 1 T flour and a pinch of salt with 2 tablespoons of butter and then crumble on top of the batter before baking.

YUM YUM YUM