2 sticks butter
1 3/4 c. sugar
4 eggs
4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. mashed ripe bananas
1/2 c. maraschino cherries, chopped
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. pecans, chopped

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add flour, soda, and salt alternately with banana to egg mixture. Mix in remaining ingredients. Pour into greased (bottoms only) 9 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done. Drizzle with glaze, if desired.

Don't omit the chocolate chips. They're the making of the bread. Yield: 2 loaves.

CREAMY GLAZE:

Melt 1/3 cup butter in saucepan. Blend in 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted, and 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 4 to 6 tablespoons water or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until glaze is of proper consistency.