Baking Bread

Christmas in our home means baking batches of pumpkin bread.  It's a family favorite.  As a tradition and a yummy treat.  And it makes a great gift for friends and family...I even give some to our mail carrier!

In keeping with the season of giving, I wanted to share the recipe with you:

Pumpkin Bread

 3 cups sugar                                                    1 1/2 tsp salt

1 cup oil                                                           3 1/3 cups flour

4 eggs                                                               1/2 tsp baking powder

1 (15oz) can of pumpkin                             2 tsp baking soda

2/3 cup water                                                 2/3 cup raisins  

1 tsp nutmeg                                                   2/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all ingredients (stir by hand) in a large bowl.  Its best if you add the baking powder and soda to the flour first, otherwise they may clump in the mix.  Pour batter into greased loaf pans (makes approx 3 large pans or 5 mini loaf pans); fill the pans 2/3 full.  Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes.(Check bread by inserting knife...if it comes out clean the bread is done)

Remove from oven and let cool.  Store pumpkin bread(covered) in the refrigerator; this bread also freezes well.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all!