Southern Banana Nut Bread

Courtly's Note:

"This down-home banana bread recipe features pecans and bananas in both the bread and the topping. No one can resist a freshly baked slice."

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 loaves

• 1/2 cup butter flavor shortening
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Topping

• 1/4-1/3 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• additional chopped pecans

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar; beat in eggs. Blend in bananas and vanilla. Add flour alternately with buttermilk. Fold in pecans. Pour into two greased 8 x 4 x 2 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack; cool completely.
2. For topping, combine bananas, confectioners' sugar and lemon juice; spread over loaves. Sprinkle with pecans.