This is a tale of a Pumpkin Bread. A family recipe passed down with hesitation. Because this is no ordinary Pumpkin Bread… this is a cursed Pumpkin Bread!
It all started in the early 70’s. My mom came up with a recipe for Pumpkin Bread, and baked it for a ski trip she and my dad were going on. They were driving one car while another two friends drove in a separate car. A half hour into the road trip, they experienced car trouble. They were forced to turn around, and bring the car to a shop to be fixed. Instead of ruining their ski weekend, their friends offered them a ride. My mom and dad packed their belongings and the Pumpkin Bread into their friend’s car and took off. Yet again… car trouble. Despite the car having just been checked out prior to the trip, the oil cap popped off, and oil went everywhere…. They were using windshield wipers to try to see through the front oil covered window! Needless to say the ski trip was canceled. My parents were avid skiiers and had been on this trip plenty of times. What was different this time? The Pumpkin Bread. They were convinced it was related.
I know… could have been a really bad coincidence. But let’s fast forward a couple of years. My mom decides enough time has passed to give the bread another try… She made a loaf, packed it up, and they headed for the beach on the Jersey shore. Car trouble. No beach trip.
For years my mom continued to make the very popular Pumpkin Bread, but refused to travel with it. Years went by, and eventually my parents were driving through Virginia on their way to New Jersey for the holidays. My mom agreed to bring her pumpkin bread. After all, it is the perfect Thanksgiving baked good! Do I really need to say what happened? The car trouble was so bad they had to leave the car in Virginia while my mom’s father drove six hours to rescue them.
Three time’s a charm. My parents refused to ever travel with the bread again. And until now, I’ve never even attempted to make it. Wasn’t worth the risk. But recently I came across my mom’s now famously cursed Pumpkin Bread recipe. It was calling my name! But, no – I will not be traveling with it…. just enjoying it with a nice cup of tea in front of fire in the comfort of my living room!
So.. now it’s up to you… Do you have the guts to make this bread and find out if the curse is still alive? Conveniently, the recipe makes two loaves. One for you and one to share… if you dare!
Looking for some more Fall flavored goodness. This Apple Sangria is the perfect Fall cocktail! And this Jack O Lantern Pumpkin Spiced Rum Cake is a decadent dessert!
Maybe you’re just a fan of pumpkins… then you shouldn’t spend another minute without the DIY Pumpkin Wine Dispenser!
- 3½ cups Flour
- 3 cups Sugar
- 2 tsp Baking soda
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Nutmeg
- ½ tsp Cloves
- 1 15oz can Pumpkin
- 2 Eggs beaten
- ⅔ cups Water
- 1 cup Melted Butter
- Optional Dry Ingredient:
- ½ cup raisins and/or chopped nuts
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Combine all dry ingredients
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, set aside
- In a small bowl, combine Pumpkin, Egg, and Water
- Pour Melted Butter, and Liquid Ingredients into the well of the Dry Ingredients
- Gently Mix
- Grease/Flour 2 Loaf Pans
- Pour Mix into loaf pans, and Bake for 1 hour, 10 minutes
Sue says
Yep, totally been in that situation… more than once! lol I shall look forward to next week’s post, my friend x
Alexandra says
It’s the worst! After completely scrapping round one, and starting over from scratch … I made it all the way to the end of the project. I sealed it, and the sealer I used had a bad reaction! I wanted to punch someone! I think I have a solution! Wish me luck this weekend!! 🙂
Sue says
P.S. I am totally too much of a woos to try making the pumpkin bread!
Alexandra says
Too funny! I know!! The recipe makes two loaves, which I can never eat by myself. I tried to think who I could give the other one to, but I seriously refuse to put that thing in my car even to drive to a neighbor’s house! In the freezer it went!! 🙂
Kimberly Albertson says
For me, it’s a Duran Duran t-shirt. The first time, a friend and I were driving to LA to see the band and ended up spending New Year’s weekend in a truck-stop town while waiting for an alternator to come in and missed the concert. The 2nd time, another trip to LA, and we needed to replace my friend’s fuel pump.
I’m not allowed to wear that shirt anymore on any road trips.
Alexandra says
Funny story Kimberly!! Note to self… the perfect gift for our enemies… Pumpkin Bread wrapped in a Duran Duran T-shirt! 🙂