Pumpkin Bread IV

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and pumpkin puree.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Fold in walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Interesting Facts

• Pumpkin Bread is said to have originated in the United States during the early 1800s and is popular during the autumn and winter months.
• The combination of spices used in Pumpkin Bread gives it a warm and cozy flavor, perfect for cold days.
• Pumpkin Bread can be served either as a dessert or as an accompaniment to a meal.