Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Yields 1 loaf

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1½ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup pure vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1½ cups unsweetened pure pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground allspice

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt into a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture, blending well. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan (9 x 5 x 3 inches). Bake at 325° F for approximately 60-75 minutes. Insert a thin wooden skewer or toothpick into center of loaf, and if it comes out dry (or clean), bread is done.
5. Place pan on a wire rack, and allow bread to cool for approximately 10 minutes. Invert pan and gently remove bread. Allow to cool completely.