Autumn Spice Bread

There is a chill in the air and fall is here.  I get excited as the seasons change for the different foods I will make.  This recipe is a fall favorite.  It smells wonderful while baking in the oven.

I first made this bread about seven years ago.  I did the unthinkable... there were guests coming over and I decided to try a new recipe!  Luckily this one turned out well.    

3-1/2 c. flour                         1/2 t. cloves

2 t. baking soda                    1 c. butter

2 t. cinnamon                        2 c. sugar

1 t. salt                                    2 c. canned pumpkin

1 t. nutmeg                             4 eggs

1/2 t. ginger                           1-1/2 c. chocolate chips

                                  1 c. walnuts chopped  (optional)

Grease two loaf pans; set aside.  Combine flour, soda and spices in a small bowl.   In a mixer cream butter with sugar and pumpkin, blend in eggs.  At a low speed add dry ingredients to egg mixture.  Mix in chocolate chips and walnuts.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min or until tests done.  Top with spice glaze.

Spice Glaze

1 c. powdered sugar               1/4 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg                          2 to 3 t. milk

                                         1/2 c. walnuts   (optional)

Combine dry ingredients, then blend in milk until mixture becomes a glaze.  Spread on loaves when removed from oven.  Sprinkle with nuts.

*Can also be used as a muffin recipe!