2/3 c. shortening
2 2/3 c. brown sugar
4 eggs
1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin OR 3 c. shredded zucchini (approx. med.)
2/3 c. water
3 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. cloves
2/3 c. nuts OR 2/3 c. raisins (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms only of 2 or 3 loaf pans (9x5x3 or 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch). Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, pumpkin and water. Blend in flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. Pour into pans. Bake approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing!!

Zucchini Bread: Add 2 teaspoons vanilla and decrease baking time to 60 minutes.