Spicy Pumpkin Loaf

Do you know that 'go to' cookbook you have?  The one you have had since day one, when you thought just getting everything done for a meal at the same time, was an accomplishment?  The one you can't part with, that is stained, falling apart and has maybe a dozen recipes in it that you keep going back too?  I was on my own for dinner tonight so I didn't go to much trouble.  The snow came down steady all day to the tune of several inches; although they were only calling for a couple.  It was a baking sort of day.  As I told you before, I don't bake very often.  But, today, just screamed, "turn on the oven, and get the house toasty and smelling good".  I wanted the comfort of cinnamon and the comfort of something soft and chewy.

This Pumpkin Bread was the perfect solution.  I pulled out that dog-eared, scarred, but stoic Fannie Farmer cookbook and it fell right open to my favorite recipe.  I encourage you to wake your family up some morning to the smell of this bread; or perhaps share coffee with that girlfriend you can tell anything to; or, tuck yourself up with a blanket and a good book with cocoa and a slice of this bread.  Pure BLISS!

Spicy Pumpkin Loaf (I doubled.  However, these measurements are for 1 loaf)
printable recipe

2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
2-1/2 tsp. of baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 c. canned pumpkin
1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
1/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. chopped nuts    

Grease a loaf pan (this is where I use a little non-stick spray!)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a mixing bowl stir together 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, and 1/4 tsp. salt.

Add pumpkin, milk, eggs and shortening.

With an electric mixer on low speed, mix until combined.  Turn the mixer to high and beat for 2 minutes.
Add the remaining flour; beat until well mixed.

Stir in the nuts (save a bit for sprinkling on the top).

Pour batter into pan, sprinkle with reserved nuts.

Bake for 60-65 minutes.
Cool on a rack and remove from pan.  Do not wrap until complete cool to avoid the crust getting soggy.

My husband came in from the cold after a longer than usual day.  The first thing he noticed was the delightful smell of cinnamon and spice.  I thought we would wait until our morning coffee.....but......