Peanut Butter Nanner Bread

This one is adapted from my Muzzy's banana bread recipe, which I practically have memorized. I switched out the shortening for mostly peanut butter, but it still wasn't a very strong flavor in the bread (and I wanted more peanut butter than banana). Next time it's all peanut butter, baby. And I gotta say: Muzz makes one awesome banana bread, so you should give this one a shot. It's dense but very moist, not too sweet; the brown sugar gives it a nice rounded flavor. This version is particularly good with a healthy slather of peanut butter on your slice :)

Peanut Butter Nanner Bread

(adapted from my Muzzy)

Ingredients:

1 3/4 c. flour

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 c. peanut butter

1/4 c. shortening *OR: increase peanut butter to 3/4 c.*

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 c. (about 3) mashed ripe bananas

1/4 c. chopped peanuts (optional)

Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, shortening, and sugars (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating until well incorporated. Stir in mashed bananas, and mix well. Add dry ingredients, and finally nuts if using.

Pour batter into loaf pan, and bake for 50-60 minutes (until a toothpick comes out clean-ish). Allow to cool before slicing. Great with a thick slather of peanut butter.