Banana Nut loaf

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma

Ingredients:

• 6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room
   temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 or 3 very ripe bananas, coarsely mashed
   (about 1 1⁄2 cups)
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1⁄2 tsp. salt
• 3⁄4 cup coarsely chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc)

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the bananas and eggs and beat until smooth. Add the buttermilk and beat just until combined.

3. In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, salt and nuts. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and beat just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. It should be no more than two-thirds full. Bake until the loaf is dark golden brown and dry to the touch and the edges pull away from the sides of the pan, 55 to 60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the bread rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. 

Storage Tip: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature overnight or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.