200th Post - Banana Walnut Bread

I'd like to say thank you for all your kinds words and prayers that you left on my blog regarding my uncle. Even though I've never met any of you I still think of you as my friends and appreciate all your messages. I cannot believe that this is my 200th post!!! I don't think I've ever baked as much as I have since I started this blog 1 1/2 years ago! Many of you know that one of my favorites cakes is banana bread and this one is special to me since it is the recipe that Starbucks uses and it's great! When I visited King's Dominion Amusement Park this summer there was a Starbucks in the park. They had recipe cards they were giving out at their counter with their banana bread recipe. I was thrilled since not only do I love their cafe mocha's but I'm crazy about their banana bread too!

I'm wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. My husband and I and our son will be heading to the beach for the holidays and I am looking very forward to getting away and walking on the beach (even though it's cold) and visiting different restaurants!!!

Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 egg

1 1/8 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp buttermilk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

3 ripe medium large bananas, mashed

1/2 cup + 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan and dust with flour.

Blend together the flour, baking soda and salt and set aside. Mix together the egg, sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add the flour mixture and when blended add the buttermilk, vanilla and mashed bananas and mix until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Top batter with remaining 1/3 cup chopped walnuts. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before removing from pan.