Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread

This moist and flavorful banana nut bread gets a tropical twist from crushed pineapple and warm spices. Makes two standard loaves or five mini loaves—perfect for sharing or freezing.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups ripe bananas, mashed

• 1½ cups vegetable oil

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, pecans, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the beaten eggs, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, pineapple, and vanilla.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir by hand just until the flour is moistened—do not overmix.

4. Spray loaf pans with nonstick spray and pour in the batter.

5. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

   Yield:

   2 regular loaves or 5 baby loaves.