Banana Bread

This was a staple in the Keil household when Kathy, Gordon, and Laurie were growing up. Although she was usually quiet, Cynthia did make jokes sometimes (such as the one on the bottom of the page — written into the original recipe).

Ingredients

• 3 bananas

• 1 egg

• 1⁄3 cup shortening (or use 5 tbsp butter, or 3 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp canola oil)

• 2⁄3 cup sugar

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1⁄2 cup raisins or sunflower seeds (optional)

• 1⁄2 cup walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).

2. Mash 3 bananas. Slightly beat the egg, then mix into the bananas.

3. In a small bowl, cream together shortening and sugar.

4. Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Combine all ingredients and stir in any raisins and/or sunflower seeds. Add in walnuts, if using.

6. Bake in a loaf pan for 50 minutes.

Cynthia note: Can reduce the sugar and add wheat germ. She would also use part cornmeal to make up the full two cups of flour.