Ken’s Spicy Pumpkin Bread

By Ken Hoyt

There are many pumpkin bread recipes from which to choose. Low fat, low cal, gluten free... the list is long and, quite frankly, unappetizing.

My version is unashamedly rich and studded with luscious fruits and chunks of walnut. One thin slice will satisfy all but the most dedicated dessert fans. I know that we all can't be as naughty as we'd like (even during the holidays) so I provide a couple of healthy ingredient options if you really must watch your cholesterol.

Ken’s Spicy Pumpkin Bread

Bread:
3 cups Bakers sugar
1 cup (1/2 lb.) butter, melted then cooled*
4 eggs
2/3 cup half & half**
2 cups unbleached white flour
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 (15 ounce can) pumpkin puree
1 cup golden raisins,
1 cup candied ginger (medium dice)
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Glaze:
1 cup
+ 2 Tbls. powdered sugar
2 Tbls. half & half**

Preheat the oven to 350Ëš. Macerate the raisins in 1/2 cup hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside. Grease two regular sized bread pans (9 x 5 x 3) and set aside.

In a large bowl mix together the sugar, butter and eggs. Beat well and set aside.

In a separate bowl combine the flours, baking soda, salt, and spices.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture little at a time until all are combined. Mix in the pumpkin puree.

Fold in the raisins, candied ginger and walnuts. Divide the batter between the prepared bread pans.

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes (until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean).

Cool slightly. Mix the powdered sugar with the half & half. Remove the breads from their pans and glaze with the powdered sugar mixture. Allow the loaves to cool completely before cutting and serving.

*Substitute an equal amount of Canola oil.
** Substitute an equal amount of 2% milk.
©2007 Ken Hoyt

Tagged:
recipes holidays food entertaining

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November 12, 2007

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About: My small business, Interior Advocate, provides design solutions for interiors. And I write about living...