Pumpkin Cider Bread

Pumpkin Cider Bread (Makes 1 loaf)

2 cups fresh pressed apple cider or apple juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon mulling spices
1 cup canned or fresh homemade pumpkin puree
2 large fresh eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup Sucanat or light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest (optional)
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a saucepan combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, and mulling spices. Boil the mixture until it is reduced to about 1/4 cup and let it cool. If you don't have time to simmer the cider to concentrate the flavors just use 1/4 Cup apple cider.

In a bowl whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, brown sugar, orange zest, and the cool reduced cider. Into a mixing bowl,stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, mace, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Add the chopped walnuts, and stir the batter until it is just combined together. Transfer the batter to a well-buttered 8 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Bake the bread in the middle of your preheated 350°F. oven for 1 hour, or until your toothpick or cake tester comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the bread pan.

The aroma of this bread alone wafting through your house makes this a family favorite recipe.

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