Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Pumpkin Bread... and a Soap Giveaway


 Lately I've been baking up a storm... I can't even begin to count how many cookies Jillian and I have baked!  Something about the cooler days and the holidays approaching makes me want to spend time in the warm kitchen where delicious scents come from the oven.  

Last week I made this pumpkin bread and it was delicious.  It's moist without being doughy (for lack of a better word) and filled with wonderful holiday flavor.  I hate to admit it... but the girls and I ate 3/4 of the loaf in one day!

Here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Bread

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 can pumpkin (7.5 oz)
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1/3 cup water
turbinado sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  

Mix together flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in a bowl and make a well in the center of mixture.  Whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs and water in a separate bowl; add to the dry ingredients and stir.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x5 loaf pan.  Sprinkle desired amount of turbinado sugar on top (I probably used about 1 Tbsp).  Bake for 1 hour (may require another 5 - 10 minutes) or until a pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pan for 10 minutes and then remove the loaf and cool completely.

Makes: 1 loaf

Adapted from a Southern Living recipe
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Giveaway is now closed

And speaking of wonderful smells this time of year, today I have such a great giveaway!  

Shortly after I started my blog, I became blogging friends with another mother who left the sweetest comments on my blog.  She has an Etsy shop where she sells soap that is handmade at her home in Virginia with her own homegrown herbs.  

I try to use natural products whenever possible, so I love the fact that Amanda's soaps are made with 100% natural ingredients, do not have any artificial color or scents, and are preservative and chemical free.  I was also immediately smitten when I saw that grits are a part of the ingredient list (smile)...

Amanda so kindly sent me a couple bars to try out and while she has a variety of wonderful scents, I asked if I could try the two new scents that she is offering one lucky reader!  I really can't say enough wonderful things about this soap... it lathers well, makes my skin feel great, and these scents are amazing.  I think they would make such a unique and special gift, especially this time of year!


Now for the fun part...

Amanda is offering 10% off any order... all you need to do is use coupon code keepingitcozy10.  You can find her Etsy shop here. 

 She is also giving away two bars of soap to one reader!  The scents are Peppermint Scrub and Virginia Cedarwood and they smell just like Christmas. 


All you need to do to be entered in the giveaway is leave a comment.  
(You can still win even if you do not have a blog, just be sure to leave your email address so I have a way of contacting you.)

A winner will be randomly chosen Monday, December 10 and will receive 1 bar of Peppermint Scrub and 1 bar of Virginia Cedarwood.  

And be sure to visit Amanda's lovely shop here!
 

68 comments:

  1. Yum! I've made pumpkin bread from a mix but I always wanted to try making it from scratch. I'll definitely give this a try!

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  2. Homemade soap is always the best! These scents sound delicious!

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  3. Oh the bread looks yummy !!! Hope you have a wonderful day !!!

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  4. I love homemade pumpkin bread. Like you, I've been busy in the kitchen. Yesterday morning I awoke at 5am and got busy making a loaf of banana bread with chocolate and walnuts before heading to work! The soaps you feature in your post look wonderful, and I can almost smell them ... I hope I'm the lucky winner!
    Claudia

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  5. The bread looks so yummy! The kids and I must try this recipe :)
    I love handmade soap and haven't had any in quite some time. I would love to try both scents! denikw90@yahoo.com

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  6. Oh my, your pumpkin bread looks delish. I must try this. Thank you for the recipe. Please yes, I am heading over to her etsy shop right now. Love natural soaps. Would love these ~

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  7. Good Morning...
    Your bread looks delicious and would start the day off great with a nice hot cuppa.. Who needs eggs? smile..
    I only use homemade soaps and would love to try this one..
    Loving your blog...

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  8. I love Amanda. I personally had the opportunity to meet her beautiful self, while on a family vacation back in May.

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her soap. Particularly the Honey Oatmeal.

    I hope it's okay for a jump on the band-wagon and try to win a couple of her "newest" scents in soap.

    Blessings on your day!
    ~B

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  9. I feel like I can smell the soap through your photo:)! I am in and thank you for the recipe. I see holiday details on your blog and so excited for Friday!!! Have a great day! Jen

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  10. I just recently found your blog and I love it. I make a loaf of pumpkin bread just about every day, it's one of the only things my very picky 4 year old will eat lately. Can't wait to try your recipe! Have a great day!

    Megan @ Farmhouse5540.blogspot.com

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  11. I can't do the pumpkin bread (dang it!) but I could do soap! :-) Will likely try it out even if I don't win. Happy day to you...

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  12. I would love to win Amanda's soaps! I sure do miss her sweet little blog ;)

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  13. Good morning Andrea... your pumpkin load sounds delish... mmm... I would love a BIG slice right now with my morning coffee... also, those soaps sound so wonderful... I also love anything all natural... please enter me in your lovely giveaway... wishing you a beautiful winters day, xoxo Julie Marie

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  14. I love pumpkin bread and made one called pumpkin pie bread before Thanksgiving. I love good smelling soaps so fingers are crossed and toes, too.

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  15. Two of my favorite things in one post-pumpkin bread & handmade soap--yeah!

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  16. The pumpkin bread looks delish! It's always a family favorite at holiday time. The soaps look wonderful.
    Mary Alice

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  17. Love your blog! I am going to try and make this pumpkin bread this coming weekend. I love the soap give away! I hope I win!

    wendy7291@hotmail.com

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  18. Hello, I love reading your blog. I love your home, and decorating style. I hope to win the soap too!! Teresa Harris

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  19. Count me in! I've been toying withe idea of making my own soap and figure that I will try it eventually, but have been too chicken so far.

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  20. The pumpkin bread looks delicious. We love the recipe we use as well. I really haven't gotten to bake a lot so far because of other things taking my time. got to buckle down on that.

    Would love to win the soaps. I love natural products!

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  21. Ooh, that pumpkin bread looks good! I'd also love to win the soap - it sounds wonderful. I'm going to check out her shop!

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  22. I just love pumpkin bread. would love to win the soap

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  23. I'll be trying that recipe for sure! We have a local bakery that makes fabulous pumpkin bread and I try every recipe I come across trying to get something similar.. perhaps this will be THE one!

    And peppermint soap? Can't be anything more fantastic than that!

    ~Chris

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  24. My husband loves pumpkin goodies. :) And I would love to try the soap!

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  25. Can almost smell that bread! And the soap, too! It's even pretty!
    Farmhouse hugs,
    Cindy

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  26. this recipe sounds like the perfect thing to make this afternoon! keeping my fingers crossed on the giveaway!

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  27. The bread looks delicious, so does the peppermint soap.:)

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  28. I've been lookin' for a moist and easy pumpkin bread recipe. And please enter me in the soap contest. Crossing my fingers so hard......martyterry@ymail.com

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  29. I went to a soap making class once, but it scared me to death. I would like to try it again so I can make my families soap. I hope i win! amyjones194(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. Love the pumpkin bread recipe. I won't sign up for the giveaway as I have a soap making friend that keeps me supplied. I'm ready to bake but waiting for my oven to be repaired! xo Diana

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  31. Soap sounds lovely, esp. cedarwood! I'd love them-cald56@frontiernet.net

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  32. Hi Andrea, your pumpkin bread looks so yummy. I would love some soap. dennisandashley@gmail.com

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  33. Love the idea of these soaps! We try so hard to stay chemical-free in our home and these soaps would be lovely!
    lititz247@aol.com

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  34. The soap looks amazing - I love peppermint - very invigorating. Fingers crossed!
    Kelly

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  35. i don't believe that i have ever tried homemade soap before...would love to give it a go =o)

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  36. Mmmmmm! What a yummy post today - yummy bread and yummy smelling soaps. Gotta love both. :)

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  37. I love your blog and read it each day. The pumpkin bread looks so moist and delicious. I am going to try making it. I also would love to win the handmade soaps. The pictures are so pretty. I am also from Tennessee. teresagann@hotmail.com

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  38. ooh...those soaps sound wonderful! thanks for the chance to win. :) now i am going to go and check out her shop....

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  39. What a fantastic giveaway!! I LOVE soaps...ahh, this is so exciting :). sarah.elizabeth.nutter@gmail.com

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  40. Pumpkin bread and peppermint soap! Both luscious. nancythedove@aol.com

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  41. That pumpkin bread looks so good! I would love a slice right now, spread with a bit of cream cheese, with my coffee--perfect breakfast!
    Handmade soap is such a treat, and those scents sound heavenly. (They would make great gifts, but if I win, and I keeping those for ME!)

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  42. The bread looks delicious and the soap would be lovely to slather on....

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  43. Lovely! Just found you through Eclectically Vintage and I LOVE your blog - new follower :)

    ps thanks for the chance to win your lovely giveaway also!

    Cheers!

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  44. I adore handmade soaps. Awesome!

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  45. Your blog is awesome - cannot wait to try the pumpkin bread - and how kind of you to introduce these soaps! I covet soaps and always wonder if folks think I'm nuts when I give as gifts (just saying...). Thanks for the chance to win
    b78ayers@comcast.net

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  46. i LOVE fancy hand soaps, and i also love christmas smells so this is just a perfect giveaway!
    daniellex at gmail dot com

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  47. I would be thrilled to win! I have a bit of a soap fetish/obsession! I find myself often purchasing them as gifts as well!!

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  48. Like you, I love natural soaps. My husband has very sensitive skin and they are a must at our house. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to check these out on Etsy - another favorite of mine.

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  49. I love natural soaps and peppermint sounds absolutely yummy! :) PS I love your blog and stop by daily!
    Angela (amhuenefeld@yahoo.com)

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  50. Learning to make soap is something I've always wanted to do..

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  51. I'm also baking lots of yummies for our boys and I agree that the kitchen smells divine! The homemade soap is lovely; I will have a look at her website. Laurie

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  52. Home made soap would make a great gift. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  53. oooh i love hand made soaps like this! thanks for the chance!

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  54. I've never been a fan of pumpkin except when it's used in breads ... then I adore it! Your bread looks lovely ... actually, very professional with a beautiful texture. Thanks for sharing your recipe and for giving us a chance to win that lovely, artisan soap!
    reducefootprints at gmail dot com

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  55. I'm a HUGE fan of natural products!! A big thanks to both of you ladies :)
    ea_wil714@yahoo.com

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  56. Awesome... Christmas smells and soap all in one !
    Your pumpkin Bread looks Mouthwatering!
    dwmarks33@comcast.net

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  57. Great pumpkin bread recipe...and homemade soap is the best!

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  58. Your blog is one of my favorites. You are so very talented. Can't wait to try the bread recipe. I would love to try the soap!! Dawn
    meadow1994@yahoo.com

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  59. Love to bake and have my pumpkin bread with cranberry jelly In the freezer to give away. Love homemade soap but never have attempted to make it. Love your house.

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  60. Love to bake and have my pumpkin bread with cranberry jelly In the freezer to give away. Love homemade soap but never have attempted to make it. Love your house.

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  61. laurierogers87@yahoo.comDecember 7, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Oh, the joy of pumpkin! Divinity! Would love to win the soaps; they sound lovely.

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  62. I would love it if you would join me in linking up at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/clever-chicks-blog-hop-10-rural.html

    I hope you can make it!
    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick

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  63. I enjoy your blog so much!
    Your home is beautiful -- so peaceful and serene.
    I love homemade soap! Thanks for sharing!

    roneta@burrellross.com

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  64. Your blog is lovely. Thank you for the opportunity to win. Homemade soap is unbeatable!

    Merry Christmas!
    LesleyAnn

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  65. Your pumpkin bread looks yummy!!! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway - count me in!!!

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

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  66. Oo yummy bread! And yummy (smelling) soaps! I *love* the scents of homemade soaps!

    -Megan
    lafillelabas@hotmail.com

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  67. I love your home. It's the way I'd love to strive to be, simple and elegant. Yet with all the kids and "stuff" we accumulate my home is more extremely lived in with a hodge podge of items everywhere. But I'm not discontent yet encouraged to display beauty everywhere :-)

    Thank you for sharing the recipe and a fun giveaway!

    ~Cinnamon

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