Cherry Banana Nut Bread

I'd have to say this is a holiday favorite that I don't
ever remember going a holiday
without having!?!
Every year I can always remember my Mom making her delicious
Cherry Banana Nut Bread!?!
And, when she made it you could taste the love that she baked
it to each -&- every loaf!?!
So, try out some for yourself this year...
-but-
...remember the secret ingredient
is L♥VE!?!
Ingredients:

2 cups butter, softened
3 cups sugar
5 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 (10 ounce) jars maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix well.
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk just until blended (batter will be thick).
In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Fold into batter.
Fold in cherries and pecans.
Transfer to four greased and floured 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and loaves are golden brown.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.