Pumpkin Bread Made Magic

You bet I had to get at least one pumpkin recipe in here.

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Listen, can you really have an autumn season without pumpkin? I don't think so. I know not everyone likes the fruit (my man being one of the biggest ones), but for me, there's nothing more delicious (or easy) than baked goods with pumpkin in it—mostly because of those all-too-famous spices involved.

That's right: pumpkin and the pumpkin spice blend are magical as hell.

I looked at several recipes before settling on a general layout that looked good to me, which was Pumpkin Bread from Once Upon a Chef. I did add some ginger in, though, and would suggest adding a touch more cinnamon (maybe a teaspoon's worth more), but overall, the procedure is real simple:

Mix stuff. Make it smooth. Put in pan. Bake.

I love baking for this reason: it's exact. I know that actually scares a lot of people away from baking, but for me, it makes it so much easier. I'm a "cook with your heart" person, which means my recipes generally come out the same, but can have all kinds of variations depending on the day. With a food scale handy and a recipe that's converted to the metric system, something quick and easy like pumpkin bread is honestly almost a little dangerous, because I can crack a can of orange goo and make this virtually any time.

But that's enough blathering from me. Let's talk about what I think this recipe is good for magically, given the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and of course that bright orange pumpkin.

Magic in Pumpkin Bread

Something I think gets overlooked in kitchen witchery is the serious potential for color magic. The color orange is a color of prosperity, creativity, youth—and if you're looking to start a new project or create something, then it pairs perfectly with the humble pumpkin's friends in the spice pantry. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger all bring a fire that balances out the dreamy, creative pumpkin, as well as kick its potential for fertility and abundance into high gear.

The elements water and fire, with the Sun, Jupiter, and the Moon, create an environment where emotions are at the center, but luck and passion give it structure. If you're a dreamy, creative type, and you've been thinking about starting some new project, business, or other pursuit, then this combination of ingredients will help you manifest the strength and vigor to follow through on your plans, as well as the luck to see it all come out in your favor. Give it a try!

Pumpkin Bread

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 60-70 minutes

Makes 8-10 Servings

Ingredients:

• 15oz plain pumpkin puree

• 2 cups (400g) sugar

• 2 cups (240g) flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 sticks melted butter

• 1/2 (2g) tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 (2g) tsp ginger

• 1/2 (2g) tsp cloves

• 2 1/2 (10g) tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder

• 1 tsp (4g) baking soda

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Melt butter and mix in sugar.

3. Add 2 eggs and beat until smooth

4. Add pumpkin puree, whisking until combined.

5. Add all spices, baking powder, and baking soda

6. Add flour and fold in with a spatula

7. Grease two loaf pans and spread batter evenly between them (use parchment paper for easier removal)

8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then on a wire rack before slicing.

We all have something we want to do in life, and if you're the type that has big dreams, then let me tell you: the start of Sagittarius season is the time to do it, especially as you prep for the new year. Enjoy your pumpkin goodies knowing the power they bring!