Yeast Dough Pumpkin Bread

3 1/4 - 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 packages active dry yeast

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tbsp butter

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup cooked mashed pumpkin

3/4 cup white raisins (optional)

In a large mixing bowl combine 1 1/2 cups flour, the yeast and the spices.

In a sauce pan, heat the milk, brown sugar, butter and salt until warm-stirring constantly. Then add the warm mixture to the dry ingredients; add the pumpkin. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on low speed for half a minute; then on high speed for 3 minutes.

By hand (stir in raisins, optional) and enough of the flour to form a moderately stiff dough. Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough until smooth and elastic (the dough will be shiny); this takes 5-8 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once. Let rise until doubled in size. Punch it down, cover it and let it rest 10 minutes. She into a loaf and place into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again until it has doubled (30 minutes).

Place in a 375 degree oven and bake 35-40 minutes. When finished baking, remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!