Banana Bread

Contributed by Kendra Flann

2 cups all purpose flour
6 tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 very ripe bananas, mashed well

Optional: 1 1/4 cups toasted and chopped walnuts or 3/4 cup chocolate chips (I prefer chocolate but that is just because I LOVE chocolate!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously coat a 9" x 5" loaf pan with vegetable oil spray

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Whisk the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla together in a separate bowl. Gently fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the nuts or chocolate chips (if using). Do not overmix; the bater will look thick and chunky.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached, about 55 min.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before unmolding onto a wire rack to cool for 1 hour.