" It Smells Like Christmas" Pumpkin Bread

This recipe comes from The Little Book of Christmas Joys. It is the best pumpkin bread I have ever had. Both loaves never last a few days in my house. Although allspice is optional but I never leave it out but I do leave out the pecans.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Yields: 2 Loaves

Ingredients

• 3 1⁄2 cups  sifted all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 2  teaspoons nutmeg
• 1  teaspoon allspice (optional)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3  cups sugar
• 2⁄3 cup water
• 1  cup  oil
• 5  eggs, beaten
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 1  cup  chopped pecans

Directions

1. Grease two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl mix together all of the dry ingredients.
2. Blend in the water and oil, and mix in the eggs.
3. Blend in the pumpkin.
4. Fold in the pecans.
5. Divide the batter between the prepared pans.
6. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.