Blueberry Banana Bread

From the kitchen of:  Stella Stoddard

There were a few things that Robert could count on when he visited his Grandma and Grandpa Stoddard;  Fat Boys, Creamies and a strongest handshake competition with his Grandpa.  There was usually Blueberry Banana Bread too.  It was delicious and perfectly dense like good banana bread should be.  One day when we visited I asked Grandma for her recipe.  I'm so glad I did!

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

4 cups flour, divided

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

5 medium, ripe bananas, mashed

2 tsp vanilla

1 T ground allspice

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 325.  Grease and flour two 9x5 loaf pans.  Toss blueberries with 2 T flour, set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, with electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time, bananas and vanilla; mix on low speed, scraping sides of bowl.  Add remaining flour, allspice and next 3 ingredients; beat on low speed until well blended.  Fold in berries.  Pour batter into pans.  Bake 40-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes on rack, then remove from pans and cool completely.  Serve with loving thoughts of Grandma Stoddard and gratitude for having known her! :)