my first recipe :: the best banana bread

In a couple weeks we are getting ready to celebrate our ten year anniversary! Whenever you look back on something, it’s amazing to think about all that has happened over time. I have specifically been looking through things from the time around our wedding as I’m putting together a little gift for my husband. I’ve come across so many things that have brought huge smiles as I remember so many firsts, and good times, and sad times, and so much that has brought us to the place where we are today. I am so thankful for this life we have and for all that we have shared.

One of the things I came across was some recipes we had been given for a wedding shower. All of our guests brought one of their favorite recipes, hand-written on their own recipe cards. I came across one that I used so much especially in our first couple years of marriage. I actually basically have it memorized now which is why I haven’t seen it in so long. I decided I had to make it, and after eating decided it had to be shared. So with that said, here’s the best, and easiest banana bread!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Topping:

• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, mix bananas, egg, milk, oil, and vanilla.

Mix well. Stir in dry ingredients- JUST UNTIL MOIST- Do not over mix.

Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
  Mix together topping and sprinkle on top. Pour into loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to baking rack to finish cooling.

Enjoy!  We’ve enjoyed this recipe so many times together.  It’s great for overnight guests and makes a perfect food gift to share!