Holiday Pumpkin Walnut Bread Recipe

Years ago as a new wife, I wanted to create special holiday recipes just as my mom did when I was a child. I can still taste the warm pumpkin bread she used to make, topped with cream cheese frosting. I developed this recipe in honor of those memories and its become a holiday favorite with my family-- wonderful, spicy and oh so good!

INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 c. flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1-1/4 c. pumpkin puree

1/4 c. vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 c. water

1-1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (or more if you want a more nutty bread)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, & baking soda. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, & spices. Pour into the bowl w/ dry ingredients & mix just until all are combined - don't stir too much! Stir in the nuts. Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3-in. loaf pan, bake 60 minutes until done in the middle. Remove from pan, cool on a rack.

TIPS:
Store wrapped in the refrigerator. Add cream cheese frosting for an especially good treat!