Ingredients

• 3 very ripe (skins blackening) bananas
• 1 large egg
• 2 T. canola oil
• 3/4 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or skim)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 1/2 cups flour (white or whole wheat or combination)
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds or chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease and flour a 9 x 5 x 3-inch pan.
• In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Add remaining ingredients except nuts.
• Use electric mixer on low to incorporate the ingredients; then mix using medium setting for 2 minutes.
• Stir in nuts.
• Pour batter into the pan and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 65-70 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick, inserting it in the middle of the bread.
• If toothpick comes out clean, remove bread from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
• If toothpick comes out wet, add 5 minutes to baking time and check again.
• Invert the pan to remove the bread and let it cool completely before wrapping it for storage.