Steal-Good Pumpkin Bread

When my grandmother visited a few weeks ago, I was determined to make pumpkin bread for her.  She loves it, but since she lives alone now, she rarely cooks or bakes for herself.

I made a batch of this pumpkin bread, and we ate some for breakfast one day, and a bit more with some veggie beef soup for lunch after church.  My Big Helper kept laughing, because each time she asked for another piece, my grandmother would pretend to wrap it into her napkin and slip it into her pocket!

We had to wrap the rest up and send it home with her.  When your guests like something enough to jokingly steal it and take some home, what else can you do??  (Of course, we didn't mind.  Sending the second loaf home with her was the plan all along - but it was good to know that it met with her approval.)

So here's how to make Steal-good Pumpkin Bread:

Grease two loaf pans and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together:

• 3 1/2 c. whole wheat or white wheat flour
• 1 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 2 t. baking soda
• 2 heaping t. ground cinnamon
• 1 t. salt

Set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together:

• *16 oz. of pumpkin puree
• 1/2 c. vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 c. water
• ** 1 c. chocolate chips

When well mixed, add to dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 60 - 70 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool for 15 minutes, and then gently remove bread from pans.  Cool completely and store or freeze.

** You can add the chocolate chips at this time - or not.  The bread is more traditional without them, but it's definitely a fun change with them, as well.

We took this bread to Disney with us for breakfast.  I made it and froze it in advance, wrapped well, and it tasted great even after being frozen and transported so many miles.  

This would make great make-ahead Christmas gifts!

* To learn how to make your own pumpkin puree, read my description here.