A+++ Banana Bread

First off, let me say this: I am not into low- fat or fat-free food. (Low-fat I can do once in a while). That said, this recipe is amazingly great when I cut the oil by adding applesauce. It's moist, delicious and will please all banana bread lovers!

Elise's Banana Bread

3/4 c. sugar
3 large mashed bananas
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. applesauce
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 teas. baking soda
1/2 teas. baking powder
1/2 teas. salt
1/2 c. nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, etc... (optional)

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease loaf pan.
Mix sugar, bananas, oil, applesauce, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix dry ingredients and add to banana mixture. Fold in nuts or dried fruit, if using.

Pour into greased pan and bake 60-70 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center of bread comes out clean. Bread should be pulling away from the sides of the pan. Let cool 10 minutes before taking from pan and cooling on rack. Makes one loaf.

Notes
* with the applesauce, it does take just a bit longer to cook, closer to 70 minutes.
* This is really great if you leave small chunks of banana (don't mash completely)
* The batter should have a thick consistency, not runny. But, if it is a bit on the runny side, add some wheat germ or bran flakes.
* This doubles very nicely, no need to adjust measurements.
* Great toasted and topped with peanut butter.