Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease two 9x5 loaf pans well, then dust with flour.

Step 2

Use your fingers and a pair of scissors to separate the pumpkin guts, making sure they'll be able to mix into the batter.

Step 3

Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, soda, and salt in large mixing bowl.

Step 4

Add eggs, oil, water and pumpkin. Stir until you have a smooth batter.

Step 5

If using pecans, you can mix the nuts in now, or sprinkle them on top once your pour you batter into the loaf pans.

Step 6

Pour into prepared pans. Bake 1 hour, and check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your loaves are done. If not, bake them longer, checking every 5 minutes.

Step 7

Cool slightly in the pans (about 10 minutes) them take out of pans to let them cool on a rack.