Mmm! My New Favorite Banana Bread

Most of the time I eat my way through vacations. This one is no different. Here is the recipe for a banana bread my sister in law made a couple of days ago, and it is the only one I will make from now on. That's right, Betty Crocker! You are out!!! This one is so moist with a chewy, slightly carmelized crust. So delicious! You heard me Betty: It kicks your butt.

3/4 C. butter/margarine
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 1/2 C. mashed bananas (3)
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C. buttermilk
3/4 C. walnuts, chopped (optional)

Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. Blend in bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Add to banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixingthoroughly after each addition. Add nuts, mix. Pour batter into 9x3x5 loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/4 hour or until done.