P is for Pumpkin

Yes, I sometimes call Maxwell my little pumpkin…of course it’s more like pun’kin.  🙂  That’s partly because I LOVE all things pumpkin.  Now that fall is starting to creep in, I’ve been upping my pumpkin intake!  That means making pumpkin bread of course!

Last year and many years before, I made this pumpkin bread.  So delicious but not exactly healthy.  I decided to go with a slightly more nutritious recipe this year and found one that tastes just as good but is made with whole wheat flour and honey instead of white sugar.  It makes me feel just a little better giving it to Maxwell…and he loves it!

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread (click title for the link)

 Ingredients
1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour (I used King Arthur’s white whole-wheat flour)
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
½ cup oil
½ cup honey
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pumpkin puree

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the dry ingredients (from the flour down to the salt). Make a well (hole) in the center and throw in the eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla. Stir together thoroughly with a fork, but do not overmix. Fold in the pumpkin puree and nuts (if using). Generously grease a large loaf pan or put muffin liners in a muffin pan and then pour in the batter. For a loaf bake for approximately 30 – 40 minutes and for muffins bake for approximately 18 – 22 minutes. Check for doneness by making sure a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

I’ve been making mini muffins because they’re great to put in Maxwell’s lunch for school.  yum!  By the way, love this girl’s site where the recipe came from – 100 Days of Real Food.  She’s really made me be more conscious about reading labels and trying to make smarter choices!

One pumpkin thing I don’t like?  Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks.  I’m a big Starbucks fan but these just don’t taste right to me.  I know people go crazy over them but I tried one and just wasn’t sold.  I’ll stick with my mocha or chai tea latte please!

The one pumpkin I can never do without?  This little pumpkin of course!!  🙂

Any other good pumpkin recipes I need to know about? Would love your ideas!