Banana Bread

Who knew that banana bread could be so pretty?! After having several of these tasty loaves in Texas over Spring Break, I finally had the opportunity to make it myself. It almost looks too good to eat, but I have several anxious children and a husband who has a fork in hand...yummmy! Thanks, Linsey :-) Here is the recipe for anyone else who wants to give it a try:





Ingredients:
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 (8 ounce) package low fat cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 to 1 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)


Directions: Cream the butter or margarine and cream cheese together. Gradually add the white sugar, and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts. Add flour, baking powder, and soda; mix until batter is just moist.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 1 hour(plus, depending on the size of the bread pan), or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
I baked mine in a bunt pan for 45 mins and it was perfect!