Mom's Banana Loaf

1. Recipe by: St. Louis Post-Dispatch 3/3/97 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Greasei and flour one 9-by-5-inch loaf pan or three 5-by-3-inch loaf pans.
3. In large mixer bowl, beat together butter and bananas until combined; beat in eggs, one at a time.
4. In medium bowl, stir together flour and sugar (and baking powder, if using).
5. Add to banana mixture.
6. Mixi only to combine.
7. If using baking soda and hot water, add and combine.
8. Bakei large loaf 45 to 55 minutes, smaller loaves 35 to 45 minutes.
9. Breadi is done when toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.
10. Variations: Add one of the following to batter: 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1 medium tart apple, chopped coarsely.
11. Stiri briefly to combine.
12. Recipe from Charles Greer, who can be heard as host of Party Line on radio station WGNU (920 AM).
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