Pinky's Famous Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup shortening
• 2 2/3 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 2/3 cup water
• 3 1/3 cups flour (sifted)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon clove
• 2/3 cup walnuts (chopped)

Directions

1. 1

   Grease and flour baking pans. Turn oven to 350.

2. 2

   Cream the shortening and sugar.

3. 3

   Stir in eggs, pumpkin, and water.

4. 4

   Sift together flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.

5. 5

   Blend to a smooth dough.

6. 6

   Stir in chopped nuts and raisins (if using).

7. 7

   Bake larg loaves 60-70 minuts or until center tests clean. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove from pan and cool.

9. 9

   Yields 2 9x5x3 loaves -- or -- 3 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 -- or -- 30 cupcakes. Adjust bake times accordingly.

10. 10

    This recipe also works well with the addition of a cup of shredded zuccini or chocolate chips.