This moist banana bread is a family recipe, tweaked through generations, delicious with and without chopped walnuts. The key is two-stage cooking and the riper the bananas, the better the bread.
In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add the melted butter and then the eggs one at a time, beating after adding each ingredient.
Mash the bananas and add to mixture, then add vanilla and beat well.
Fold in nuts or other mix-ins, if desired.
Grease and flour the loaf pan.
Pour entire mixture into the pan.
Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes.
Leave loaf in the oven, but reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.