It truly would not be fall if I didn’t make Harvest Loaf at least three times a season. I don’t know where she got this recipe, but my sister’s friend Jan passed this along to us thirty years ago and we have been making it ever since. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack or even dessert. My sister Kerry is a nurse and there is always one day dedicated in her hospital whereby all of her coworkers bring in their favorite pumpkin treat to share. Jan’s Harvest Loaf is an annual favorite! The recipe calls for a standard loaf pan which I use for my family. But it also makes three little loaf pans, perfect for gift giving.
Jan’s Harvest Loaf Recipe
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease pan.
1 3/4 cups of flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup semi sweet or dark chocolate morsels
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
In a bowl: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger and ground cloves.
Cream butter in another bowl, add sugar and beat until fluffy.
Blend eggs and beat well with mixer on low speed. Add dry ingredients, alternating with pumpkin. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Stir in morsels and nuts.
Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. *Ovens vary so set your timer for less time and check with a toothpick which will come out clean and dry when done.
Let stand before slicing.
Pairs nicely with a hot cup of pumpkin coffee.
As fall comes to a close and I have exhausted the word autumnal for the year, I need to rid my home of several pumpkins. Remember a pumpkin is a giant nut to a squirrel so we usually throw our pumpkins in the nearby woods for the woodland animals instead of throwing them in the garbage. Of course you can roast the seeds, compost it or do what my sister did down in Georgia and throw it off your front porch and see what grows!
In my ever so humble opinion, there is so much to enjoy in the fall and one can never have too much pumpkin.
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