Preparation
1. In large bowl, stir sugar and butter until well mixed. Stir in eggs until well mixed. Stir in bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat with a spoon until smooth. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until moistened. Stir in nuts.
2. Bake about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. If using bread machine, bake medium crust- 1 hr plus until toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cool 10 minutes on wire rack then loosen sides of loaf from pan. Cool completely, about 2 hours, before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for about 4 days or refrigerate up to 10 days.