INGREDIENTS

1. 1 1/2cupsflour
2. 1/2cupcoconut
3. 1 1/2teaspoonsbaking powder
4. 1/2teaspoonbaking soda
5. 1/2teaspoonsalt
6. 1/2cup choppedpecansor walnuts (optional)
7. 1/2cupmaraschino cherries, drained,cut in pieces,a nice addition especially at holiday time (optional)
8. 2eggs
9. 1cupsugar
10. 1/2cupbutter or margarine, melted
11. 1cup mashedbananas(the riper the better)
12. 1/2teaspoonalmond extract(a little more if you prefer)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Spray a 9x5x3″ loaf pan with cooking spray.
3. Set aside.
4. Combine the flour, coconut, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the nuts and cherries (if using).
5. Set aside.
6. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
7. Add the sugar and melted butter to the eggs, mixing well.
8. Stir in the bananas and almond extract.
9. Slowly add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring just to combine (don’t overmix).
10. Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour.
11. Remove from oven and let stand for about 10 minutes before removing from pan.