3/4 c. butter
2 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 can (1 lb.) pumpkin
1/3 c. water
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
2/3 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. chopped maraschino cherries
Fresh fruit (optional)
Cream cheese (optional)

Cream together butter and sugar in large mixing bowl; add eggs all at once. Add pumpkin and water, stirring until well blended. In separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients except nuts and cherries; mix well.

Stir dry ingredients into pumpkin mixture, a little at a time, until well blended. Stir in nuts and cherries.

Grease and flour 2 loaf pans; divide batter evenly into pans and bake in preheated 350 degree oven about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before removing from pan to wire racks; cool completely before wrapping with foil or plastic wrap. Serve with fresh fruit and cream cheese, if desired. Makes 2 loaves and is good to freeze.