One of My Favorite Thanksgiving Holiday Recipes: Pumpkin Bread

Oprah just completed her final "Favorite Things" episode, so I figured I'd get into the spirit and share one of my favorite Thanksgiving holiday recipes:  Pumpkin Bread!  Be forewarned:  if you don't like pumpkin, or bread, or the combo of both, you still are very much at risk of getting addicted to this fantastic-of-all holiday breads.  My husband, who hates all things pumpkin (including pumpkin pie), will make a good go of eating one loaf all by himself if left to his own devices (and so will I for that matter!). 

One thing I really like about this recipe is that provided you have a can of pumpkin hanging out in your pantry, you don't have to run to the store for special ingredients.  I have made this for friends, family, and for group parties--it is always a HUGE hit.  Need some extra pats on the back this holiday season?  Well, make this and you will have people bombarding you with recipe requests and public accolades.  If you don't need any of that, make it anyway--you won't have any regrets in the morning.  This recipe comes from my Aunt Jane, who is an amazing cook. 

PUMPKIN BREAD
(Print this Recipe)

3 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 eggs, beaten
1 can (16 oz.) pumpkin
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
2/3 cup water

Directions:

1.  Cream sugar and oil together, add eggs and pumpkin; mix well. 
2.  Sift together dry ingredients, add to dry ingredients alternately with water.
3.  Pour into two well greased and floured loaf pans.
4.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until ready.
5.  Remove and allow to cool in pan on wire racks; removed from pan when cool.