3 3/4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
2 sticks butter
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. canned or cooked pumpkin
12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips (opt.)
1 c. chopped nuts

SPICE GLAZE:

1 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Dash cloves
3-4 tbsp. hot water

Combine first 7 ingredients. In large mixer bowl cream the butter (softened). Gradually add the sugar and cream well. Blend in the eggs and beat well. At low speed, add dry ingredients alternately with the pumpkin, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips (if desired) and nuts. Turn into 2 greased 9"x5" loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cool, then drizzle with spice glaze. Slices better after a day. Freezes well.

GLAZE: Combine the powdered sugar and spices. Blend in the hot water until smooth.