So many guests have asked for the recipe for Phil's Banana Bread that we included it here. Phil has freely shared this recipe with many bakers but few create quite as delicious a loaf. Be sure to read Philıs hints before you try this simple recipe. You too can make it just as delicious as Phil does.

Phil's Hints

"Be sure to use only the sweetest and ripest bananas- Chiquita or Dole. I often buy large amounts at clearance prices and freeze them in their skins. The night before I bake, I thaw the bananas almost completely. The next morning, I peel and mash them very, very thoroughly. Use very fresh eggs. The yolk should stand tall and the white be firm, even around the edges. If you use nuts be sure the nuts are fresh. It's best to store them in the fridge.
I add each ingredient one at a time and thoroughly mix it into the batter before adding the next ingredient."

Barbara's Hint

"Phil enjoys being in the kitchen and that could make a difference. And so, just to be sure, the banana bread is the best, be sure to think happy thoughts or even whistle a tune while mashing and mixing."

Phil's Banana Bread

• Measure:
• 1/2 cup margarine (Phil uses Becel or Celebrity)
• 1 cup of white sugar in large bowl
• 2 cups of flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking SODA
• 3 ripe bananas - mashed on a flat plate
• If bananas have been frozen thaw completely
• chopped walnuts are optional--between 1/2 to 1 cup
  
• Set oven rack to centre and bake dial to 350şF
  
• In a large bowl
• CREAM together sugar and margarine thoroughly
• Add eggs and mix thoroughly
• Add soda and mix thoroughly
• Add bananas and mix thoroughly
• Add nuts and mix thoroughly
• Add flour and mix thoroughly
• Pour into regular loaf pan

Place on centre rack Check after 50 minutes. Is toothpick dry? Top cracked? It may take 60 minutes.

Remove and turn bread out onto cool rack, tray or flat plate to cool.

It may need to be loosened gently with a knife.

When cool, slice with a sharp knife and serve plain, or with a spread: jam, jelly or applesauce. Enjoy and give thanks!