Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Last Sunday our pastor preached on how we were made to serve. Later that day someone asked me about my ministry and I found myself reflecting in gratitude for the balance it has gifted my husband and I in this season of our life. I feel more fully able to serve Christ in my call AND my family in our home - a blessing I do not take for granted.

So, as the temperatures begin to drop and signs of fall appear, I'm thinking about our college girl and what homemade goodness I can make for her and her roommate as sign of love from home.

Pumpkin chocolate chip bread is the clear winner so I'm sharing the recipe with you today. I found this recipe years ago and it always makes the crowd cheer. Plus, it's super easy, which is really the only way I like to bake :)

Here is what you need:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 3 eggs

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 2/3 cup flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 cup + 1/4 cup chocolate chips, divided

• powdered sugar for garnish

To make it:

1)  Preheat your oven to 350 and grease one loaf pan.

2) Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

3) In a separate bowl combine the eggs, pumpkin, oil, vanilla, and sour cream until it is smooth.  {I used a hand mixer}

4) Make a well of the dry flour mixture and pour the wet mix in.  {I transferred the dry mix into a KitchenAid and used that to mix it}.  Blend until it is smooth.  Fold in one cup of the chocolate chips.

5) Pour into the bread loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top.  {Confession, I use more.  I never skimp on the chocolate chips.}

6) Bake 60-75 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.  {It took ours 70 minutes}

7) Let cool for 20 minutes and then lightly garnish with powdered sugar.

This bread is luscious fall perfection. ENJOY!

Suggestion: While you eat your bread have fun with "You Are Worthy" Pumpkin Prayers or the "Attitude of Gratitude" Dry Erase Frame fall activities.

xx Melissa Nesdahl

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