Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl stir together 1-1/2 cups of the flour, the yeast, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves; set aside.
  2. In a 1-quart saucepan heat and stir milk, brown sugar, margarine or butter, and salt just until warm (120ºF to 130ºF) and margarine is almost melted.
  3. Add to the flour mixture; add pumpkin.
  4. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl constantly.
  5. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
  6. Using a wooden spoon, stir in nuts, chocolate chips and as much of the remaining flour as you can while still keeping a pliable dough.
  7. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface.
  8. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).
  9. Shape into a ball.
  10. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease the surface.
  11. Cover and let rise in warm place until double (30 to 45 minutes).
  12. Punch dough down.
  13. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
  14. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  15. Lightly grease an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan.
  16. Shape dough into a loaf; place in the prepared pan.
  17. Cover and let rise until double (25 to 30 minutes).
  18. Brush top with milk.
  19. Bake in a 375ºF oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  20. If necessary, cover with foil the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
  21. Remove from pan.
  22. Cool on a wire rack.