"pumpkin bread" news and stories

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Yesterday, we were surprised by a special delivery of pumpkin bread made with Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale. Tickled as we were by the sweet, spicy and moist treat, we told all our Facebook friends how delicious it was. You all seemed keen to try it, so we asked the folks at Sam Adams if they wouldn't mind sharing the recipe. Luckily for you (and our hungry stomachs), they obliged. Happy baking!

Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale Bread
Created by Carlene O'Garro, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream beneficiary

Bread Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup Harvest Pumpkin Ale purée (directions below)
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Combine the sugar and oil in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed. Slowly add the egg.
2. Stop the mixer and add the Harvest Pumpkin Ale purée (directions below).
3. Turn mixer to low-medium speed and leave it running for 4 to 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
4. Stop the mixer and add the dry ingredients. Mix for 1 minutes at low speed or until all the ingredients are mixed together.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x5" loaf pan, leaving room at top of pan for bread to rise.
6. Bake for 60 minutes. Check bread by sticking the center with a knife (when the knife comes out clean, remove from the oven). If needed, back for another 5 to 8 minutes or until knife comes out clean.
7. Once the bread has fully cooled, finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Pumpkin Purée Ingredients:
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 bottle Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients and stir slowly. Set aside until ready to use.

Happy Homemade Bread Day!

It's amazing what a base of flour and water is capable of. Though breads often take a back seat, as accompaniments to main courses, cheeses or more, today we celebrate bread worthy of standing on its own, the ultimate mobile comfort food -- not to over-toot the French, but gloriously buttery croissants and crunchy, subtly salty baguettes spring to mind.

So get baking! For holiday inspiration, with the addition of pumpkin and spices, bread becomes the complex Pumpkin Spice Bread or a moist Pumpkin Cheese Bread with cream cheese, or can even serve as a worthy Thanksgiving side dish, in our Savory Bread Pudding recipe.

What are your most cherished baked breads? Share your favorites in the comments!

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