Chocolate Banana Nut Bread

"This chocolaty addition brings Banana Nut Bread to a whole new level!  It might just become a new favorite of yours as it has become of mine!"

1 stick of butter, softened
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla
1/3 cup of buttermilk
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of cocoa powder
1 tsp of baking powder
3/4 tsp of baking soda
1/8 tsp of salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed
                                                                         1 cup of chopped walnunts*
                                                                         1 tbsp of all-purpose flour

     Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x5 in. loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.  In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugars together using a hand mixer.  Then, add the vanilla, eggs, and buttermilk, mixing well.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, sift together the 1 1/2 cups of flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Next, add the butter and sugar to the flour and mix until well combined.  Next, add the bananas and mix in.  In a small bowl, stir the walnuts and 1 tbsp of flour together.  Then, add to the batter and STIR in using a spoon.  Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.  Insert a toothpick into the middle of the loaf, and if it comes out clean, the bread is done.  Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.  Then, invert onto a plate.  Serve and enjoy!  

*For a more intense walnut flavor, roast them on a sheet pan for 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  And if you're not a fan of walnuts, try slivered almonds!  They'd be great in this!