i love you, pumpkin.

growing up my sweet, saint-of-a mother might have called me "pumpkin." in fact, she might even still call me by that endearing name. but that is not what i am referring to here. i am talking about the LOVE of pumpkin- in pie, muffins, bread, cookies, a latte. it's the perfect fall flavor. is it not?

photo taken from wellsphere.com

and so the story goes, in my obvious obsession with autumn i had decided while "studying" on friday that i would bake something delicious with pumpkin. if you know me at all you probably know that if this little, irish girl decides on something, writes it down {or types it in the word document} it's happening. a plan is a plan. thus, on friday i made some of the best chocolate chip pumpkin bread i have ever had. this is not my effort to brag on any skill i have, but merely to tell you this recipe is divine. thank you, pioneer woman, once again! now...  give it a try! 

pre-baking. 

ingredients:
3 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 whole eggs
3 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cup veggie oil
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
29 oz. canned pumpkin puree
semi-sweet chocolate chips (go ahead and use a whole bag...)

preparation instructions:
1. in a large bowl: combine the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. in a mixing bowl: combine the eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and pumpkin.
3. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Transfer the mixture into 3 greased loaf pans or 1 bundt.
6. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 55-65 minutes.

enjoy! and share with friends. if you need more recommendations on this recipe just ask mr. mayfield, ms. kelly, ms. bankston, ms. autry, or all of the above...