Pumpkin Bread and Muffins

Fall is in the air and so pumpkin is on my mind and taste buds. There are so many things I love to make with pumpkin. Desserts, breads, soups. WOW it is so great. So I am starting off with a recipe from a dear friend who is a fabulous cook. Thanks Carol. It's a good old standard pumpkin bread that I always make into muffins for breakfast. I love to add raisins and oatmeal to mine but the rest of my family loves chocolate chips in theirs. So sometimes I add oatmeal and chocolate chips to compromise. But you could probably have fun and add whatever sounds good to you. Enjoy.

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Bread

1 large (40 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

1/2 cup oil

4 eggs (beaten)

3 cups sugar

3 1/3 cups flour*

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

1/2 teaspoon cloves (optional)

Nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, craisins, white chocolate chips, etc. (optional)

*For breakfast I use 2 3/4 cups flour and 1 scant cup oatmeal.

Mix all ingredients together until smooth (except the last ingredient i.e. nuts, raisins). Fold in nuts, raisins or whatever now. Pour into 3 greased loaf pans. Bake 350ºF for 50-60 minutes.

For muffins: Grease muffin tins. Use a medium size cookie scoop to fill cups. Bake 350ºF for 12-15 minutes.