Banana Nut Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

2 cups mashed banana (about 5-6)

1 teaspoon vanilla or rum flavoring

Optional-1 cup chopped nuts (I usually use pecans, but macadamia nuts are really good
Optional-1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional- 1/2-1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two loaf pans. In medium mixing bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking soda. Add nuts. Set aside. In large microwave bowl, melt butter. Add sugar and beat, using electric mixer, till well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Add bananas and vanilla or rum flavoring, and mix well. Fold in flour mixture and nuts, if using; blend just until flour is moist. Divide batter evenly between the two pans. Bake 45 minutes or until center of loaf is firm and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Notes:I have changed this recipe over the years until I got it just the way I wanted it. Quick and easy and the results are delicious. I have often served it sliced thin and made into tea sandwiches with cream cheese as the filling (sometimes mixed with mashed bananas, or crushed pineapple is also good) This is a good accompaniment for a fruit salad. I also make this in the mini-pans to give as gifts.