Pumpkin Bread

2 cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening
4 beaten eggs
2 cups cooked pumpkin, or 1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin
3-1/3 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon [ground] cloves
2/3 cup water
1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Cream together sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat. Add pumpkin and mix well; set aside. Mix together baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves; add alternately with water to pumpkin mixure, mixing well. Mix in nuts, if desired. Pour into greased bread pans. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 40 to 60 minutes. Put a small pan of water in the oven along with the bread pans to prevent the loaves from drying out as they bake. Bread is done when toothpick comes out clean. When tapped with finger, bread should spring back.

Makes 2 loaves. [Probably 8 to 10 slices per loaf.]