The Arrival of Autumn

Autumn...my favorite season! Although it is not here yet, it is September, and in my house that means we begin the preparations that usher in the beauty that is Fall. Yesterday it was overcast and drizzly and even though it was still 88 degrees outside, it felt like Fall inside. So, I got the hankering for Pumpkin Bread. Pumpkin Bread is one of my favorite things to eat in the Autumn. It is yummy for breakfast paired with a warm cup of cinnamon coffee. Perfect in the afternoon with a hot cup of tea...best enjoyed with a book and napping children! And one of my favorite ways is for dessert smothered with my buttercream frosting! The problem that I have come across with most pumpkin breads is they are too dry, too bland, and don't scream Pumpkin! So, after a few tries I have come up with what I think is THE BEST Pumpkin Bread ever! It has the perfect balance of sweetness, pumpkin flavor and is perfectly moist. This is achieved from using a mix of butter and oil and a good amount of pumpkin. The spices are not overwhelming but accentuate the pumpkin flavor nicely. Citrus peel adds depth while the cinnamon adds heat. It is like eating a slice of Autumn! So start the season off right with a big slice of this and a cup of hot cider! Enjoy!

Gillian's Pumpkin Bread

3 1/2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. Trader Joes Pumpkin Pie Spice (their version has citrus peel, which is key!)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. salt (don't skip this step because it's a sweet item! It adds flavor!)
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup water
2 1/4 cups pumpkin
1 cup nuts...optional (I did not use nuts this time)

Preheat oven to 350*. Stir together the flour, sugars, soda, and spices. Mix in the eggs, butter, oil, vanilla and water. Stir in the pumpkin (and nuts if using). Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup butter softened
2-3 cups Powdered Sugar
1 Tbsp. 1/2 and 1/2
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt

Whip the butter until creamy. Add in powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Beat in the 1/2 and 1/2, vanilla, and salt. Spread on cooled, sliced pumpkin bread.