Fall is about cooler weather, football, sweaters and warm, delicious food. It’s about gathering around the table with loved ones to enjoy a snack or meal and making memories that will last a lifetime. As the weather changes, there are few better places to be than the kitchen, whipping up something amazing for all who are gathered.
This fall season, when you’re craving something sweet, try this Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips recipe (keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions). It’s rich with lots of semi-sweet chocolate chips but also has a prominent pumpkin flavor that’s hard to resist.
Made from start to finish in less than an hour, this treat gives you more time to rake leaves, carve pumpkins and cuddle up by the fireplace. It can be a perfect yummy for get-togethers, from parties and events to just a couple of friends enjoying each other’s company.
Great Flavor + Great BenefitsÂ
This pumpkin recipe is easy to make and provides an opportunity to get the little ones, including children with disabilities, involved in the kitchen. Meal prep and cooking are, in fact, great ways to focus on and build up fine motor skills — think measuring, pouring, stirring and the act of eating itself.
It’s OK to indulge in chocolate on occasion without guilt. And we know you’ll love this recipe as is; but if you’d like to opt for healthier chocolate, choose dark chocolate. Most dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, particularly a subtype called flavanols that are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest chocolate or cocoa consumption is associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance and high blood pressure in adults. And speaking of insulin concerns, the American Diabetes Association actually lists pumpkin as one of the choices within its starchy vegetable category!
According to the Mayo Clinic, pumpkin is nutrient-rich due to its bright orange color. This hue comes from beta-carotene, an antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A — meaning beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important to preserve vision, fight infections, maintain healthy skin and bones, and regulate cell growth and division.
Pumpkin is also low in calories, and a good source of fiber and potassium, which helps your muscles contract, regulate fluids, maintain normal blood pressure and balance minerals in and out of body cells.
RECIPE: Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips
Prep time: 10 minutes |Â Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and pumpkin spice. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir together.
- Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool at least 10 minutes in the pan before removing to wire rack to finish cooling.
Source: Culinary.net via Family Features
Want more fruit and veggies? Check out AmeriDisability’s article titled “These Rainbow-Colored Foods Help Fight Off Memory Loss.”