Step 1

Grease and flour two 8.5 x 4.5-inch (1 pound) loaf pans. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl. combine the butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, blending just until the yolk disappears. Scrape down the sides and bottom and blend again. Do not over beat.

Step 4

Pour the buttermilk into a 2 cup measuring cup. Stir in the baking soda. The buttermilk will expand when it reacts with the baking soda so you need the extra room or it will overflow. Alternate adding the flour and buttermilk to the sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour, gently mixing on medium-low. Scrape the sides and bottom as needed.

Step 5

Add the mashed bananas and nuts and gently fold together using a rubber spatula. Divide the batter into the two prepared pans. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, no wet batter. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then remove and either serve immediately or cool. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil and a freezer bag to freeze, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.