“Gee,I got a candy bar. Boy, I got three cookies. Hey, I gotta package of gum … I gotta rock.”

— CHARLIE BROWN & FRIENDS, IT’S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN (1966)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and flour two 9 x 5-inch glass or metal loaf pans. Use baking spray with flour as a simple alternative.

2. Whisk or sift the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl to blend. Set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue beating until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin and vanilla extract and mix well.

4. Add the flour mixture and mix it at low speed, being careful not to overmix.

5. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly.

6. Bake bread until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 65 – 75 minutes. I recommend starting to check your bread around the 55-minute timeframe. Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire baking rack to cool.

7. For the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over warm bread and cool.

 Makes two loaves.

Enjoy every spiced, yummy bite!

A taste of fall!

My Two Cents:

• For entertaining, consider baking one extra-long loaf using the Wilton 16 x 4-inch aluminum pan. You’ll win extra points for presentation.

•  This spiced bread fills your home with the aromas of autumn – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – and is a hit any time of year, especially from Halloween through Thanksgiving.

•  Our family and friends expect a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin bread and a carafe of Warm Spiced Cider every Halloween.

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