Banana Bread

Directions

1. 1
   You will need a 2 lb loaf tin, lightly buttered or lined with parchment paper.
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to 170°C/gas mark 3.
3. 3
   First of all, in a large bowl, sift the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt.
4. 4
   Now in another large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar and beat until well blended.
5. 5
   Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the mashed bananas.
6. 6
   Now using a wooden spoon stir in the chopped chocolate, raisins and vanilla extract.
7. 7
   Sieve in the sifted flour mixture (double sifting is to give it a good airing), a third at a time, folding in carefully after each addition.
8. 8
   Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake in the centre of the oven for about 1 hour-ish (test to see if its done when an inserted toothpick or a thin skewer comes out clean).
9. 9
   Remove from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 5 minutes before turning it out on to a wire rack.
10. 10
    Then let it get completely cold before serving or transferring it to a cake tin.