Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bread

Submitted by Rachel Mecham

2 1/2 c. canned pumpkin puree
1/2 c. canola oil
2 2/3 c. sugar
4 eggs
3 to 3 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 to 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 9X5" bread pans. Cream together the pumpkin, oil, sugar and eggs. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Add dry with wet ingredients and mix well. Add chocolate chips, if using them. Divide batter between loaf pans. Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes. The top of the loaves should spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick should come out only slightly moist if pricked deeply.

***This recipe can be used for muffins instead of bread if desired. Just decrease baking time to 25 minutes for 24 muffins.