Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, spices and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs, walnuts and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Brush the top with a mixture of 1tbs water and 3 tbs brown sugar for a sweet crunch on top.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. (25 min for muffins)