1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 c. mashed ripe bananas (2 or 3 medium)
1/4 c.milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. unsifted all purpose flour
1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Combine butter, sugar, bananas, milk, eggs and vanilla in a large mixer bowl. Beat 1 minute at medium speed. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and stir into banana mixture, just until dry ingredients are moistened. If desired, blend in nuts. Pour batter into 9x5 inch loaf pan which has been greased on bottom. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, remove from pan. Cool completely.