The Best Banana Bread....ever....seriously

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon table salt

6 large very ripe bananas (about 2 1/4 pounds), peeled

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

2 large eggs

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray (Loaf pan size is 8½ by 4½-inch).

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in large bowl.

Place
5 bananas in microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap and cut
several steam vents in plastic with paring knife. Microwave on high
power until bananas are soft and have released liquid, about 5 minutes.
Transfer bananas to fine-mesh strainer placed over medium bowl and allow
to drain, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes (you should have ½ to ¾ cup
liquid).

Transfer liquid to medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until reduced to ¼ cup, about 5 minutes.

Remove pan from heat, stir reduced liquid into bananas, and mash with potato masher until fairly smooth.

Whisk in butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla.

Pour banana mixture into flour mixture and stir until just combined with some streaks of flour remaining.

Gently fold in nuts, if using.

Scrape batter into prepared pan.

Slice remaining banana and shingle slices on top of
either side of loaf, leaving 1½-inch-wide space down center to ensure
even rise; sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over loaf.

Bake loaf until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean, 55 to 75 minutes.

Cool bread in pan on wire rack 15 minutes, then remove loaf from pan and continue to cool on wire rack.

Serve warm or at room temperature.