banana nut bread

is there a photography method that makes banana bread look glamorous? because i can't find it.

had to photograph on a stormy day. we're workin' with it here. banana bread probably doesn't look sexy under a vibrant sunset either.

everyone has a good banana bread recipe on hand, right? well, this is mine. and never fear if you don't have any super ripe bananas on hand, just pop them in the oven on a cookie sheet at 300 degrees for 40 minutes to an hour. they'll come out totally black, but sugary and sweet on the inside.

this recipe is moist, light and will make your house smell divine!

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 very ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (or a little more if you're like me)
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon, depending on your preference
• 1/8 (just a dash!) teaspoon nutmeg
• chopped pecans/walnuts (optional)
• chocolate chips (optional)

preheat your oven to 350 degrees. grease two loaf pans (depending on the size, you might end up with just one loaf!).

mix your butter, sugar and bananas until light and fluffy. add eggs and vanilla. in a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, and be sure not to overbeat. when the mixture is just incorporated, add nuts or chocolate chips if you desire. i added pecans to mine.

bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

recipe adapted from food.com.