Banana Bread

75g (3oz) butter or margarine
100g (4oz) soft brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 large ripe bananas
225g (8oz) self-raising flour
1/2tsp ground allspice and a pinch of salt
Handful of dried fruit (dates are good) or chopped walnuts (optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°/gas 5. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until fluffy then beat in the egg gradually.
2. Add dried fruit. Mash the bananas then stir into the mixture. Fold in the flour, allspice and salt.
3. Spoon into a greased and lined loaf tin and bake in the centre of the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
4. When cooked, leave the loaf in the tin for a few minutes before turning out to cool on a wire rack.
5. Serve sliced, spread with butter or margarine.