Well, here we are into October. Unbelievable. Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner? You know what that means! It’s time to get out the holiday recipes! Yay! I absolutely love holiday baking. So-oooo,  here is holiday recipe #1………Pumpkin Bread.

Every Christmas we’re all given those cute little pumpkin breads, all wrapped beautifully and tied with ribbon. While I so appreciate the thought….and I really do, I always compare it to my recipe. I just cant help it. There really isn’t a pumpkin bread out there that I have ever liked, except for mine. I’m sure you’re all saying to yourself, “how different can pumpkin bread be?!”  I know that everyone has their favorite recipe. There are so many variations. Once in a while I will buy a slice from Starbucks.  It’s ok, but it has a certain spice that I am just not fond of. Maybe nutmeg…..ewwwwww…..yuck.

Let me tell you the story behind my recipe. Many years ago a coworker brought me some of her pumpkin bread. I repeatedly told her that I didn’t like pumpkin bread. She insisted that I try it. I promised her that I would try it “later”. Ok, so the truth is, I discreetly dumped it in the kitchen trash. I know, I know……so bad right? Well, later she asked me how I liked it.  I said “ohhh, so is that a secret family recipe?” She said “yes, I will bring you the recipe and bake you a loaf”. Uh-oh.

So, the next day, there was a beautifully wrapped loaf of this beautiful pumpkin bread, tied with ribbon, sitting on my desk. Attached, was the recipe written on a sheet of steno pad paper. I still have that piece of paper….and you can tell that I have used that recipe many times. Anyway, I didn’t feel right about tossing that gift she made me, so I took it home and sliced it up. My back then hubby, kept eating it and eating it. I kept hearing “Mmm-m-m-m”. So I gave it a try. It was so darned good. I have been making it ever since. It’s not overly spiced and it’s extremely moist. There is just so much flavor.

I have friends who don’t care for pumpkin bread and I told them the story of how I came to like it, so they agreed to try it. Now they request a loaf every holiday season.

I happen to like raisins in some baked goods. I do use them in this bread. But if you are not a fan of raisins, just leave them out.

you can see how moist this bread is. It’s making my mouth water..

I usually don’t top the batter with pumpkin seeds, but it is a great combo, so…….

The Best Pumpkin Bread

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp of each: salt, cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1 cup raisins – optional
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup water

Heat oven to 350.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugars, eggs, oil and pumpkin. Beat until well blended. Mix in the flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Add water and mix well, but not too much. Stir in the raisins and nuts.

Pour into a well oiled loaf pan. Bake for 50 – 65 minutes, depending on your oven. Stick a skewer in the center and if it comes out clean, its done. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes and then remove from pan.

I like mine slightly warm with some butter. But it’s delicious just plain, as well. Perfect with a hot cup of tea.