1/2 C BUTTER OR MARGARINE, SOFTENED
1 C SUGAR
2 EGGS
2 RIPE BANANAS, MASHED
2 C ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
1/2 TEASPOON SALT
1/2 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
3/4 C SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS
1/2 C CHOPPED WALNUTS (OPTIONAL)

CREAM BUTTER, GRADUALLY ADD SUGAR,
BEATING WELL AT MEDIUM SPEED ON AN ELECTRIC MIXER. ADD EGGS, ONE AT A TIME, BEATING AFTER EACH ADDITION.
STIR IN BANANAS.
COMBINE FLOUR AND NEXT THREE INGREDIENTS;
GRADUALLY ADD TO CREAMED MIXTURE, BEATING UNTIL BLENDED.
STIR IN CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND WALNUTS, IF DESIRED.
SPOON BATTER INTO A GREASED 9 X 5 X 3 LOAF PAN. BAKE AT 350 FOR 1 HOUR AND 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL A WOODEN PICK INSERTED IN CENTER COMES OUT CLEAN.
COOL IN PAN 10 MINUTES;
REMOVE FROM PAN AND COOL COMPLETELY ON A WIRE RACK.