1/4 pound unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, broken up
2 very ripe bananas
1 cup sugar
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup flour

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease and flour an 8-inch layer pan.

In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, begin melting the butter. When it's half melted, stir in the chocolate. Remove from the heat when the chocolate is half melted, and stir until the butter and chocolate are fully melted.

Add the bananas and mash with the back of a fork until almost incorporated. Stir in the sugar, salt, vanilla and eggs. Add the baking soda in pinches, breaking up any lumps with your fingers. Stir thoroughly. Stir in the flour, just until mixture is well blended. Stir in the water.

Pour and scrape the batter into the pan and bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool on the rack for about 15 minutes more.

Variation: Chocolate lovers: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa to the melted chocolate as well as 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips along with the flour.

Yield: 8 servings