Banana Bread

This recipe is one I've been making for nearly 20 years now... that really makes me sound old.. O'well, this loaf comes out perfectly every time and is very simple to make!

1 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup of Butter, softened
2 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups mashed ripe bananas (3-4 Medium)
1/3 Cup Water
1 2/3 Cups of AP flour
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/4 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of loaf pan. Mix sugar and butter in 2.5 quart bowl. Stir in eggs until blended. Add bananas and water; beat 30 seconds. Stir in remaining ingredients except nuts just until moistened; stir in nuts. Pour into pan. Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. 8-inch loaft 1 1/4 hours, 9-inch loaf 55-60 minutes; cool 5 minutes. Loosen sides of loaf pan; remove from pan. Cool completely before slicing. 1 loaf should yeild 24 slices.