Applesauce Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients and Weight:

• Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (240 grams)
• Applesauce: 1 cup (240 grams)
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113 grams), softened
• Brown sugar: 1 cup (packed, 200 grams)
• White sugar: 1/2 cup (100 grams)
• Large eggs: 3
• Spices: 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt
• All-purpose flour: 3 cups (390 grams)
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (75 grams)
• Raisins or dried cranberries (optional): 1/2 cup (75 grams)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including baking time)
• Cooking time: 1 hour (in a preheated oven at 350°F)

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a large bread pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and applesauce. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with both brown and white sugars until smooth. Add the eggs one by one and mix well after each addition.
4. Add the pumpkin-applesauce mixture to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Add the walnuts or pecans and dried fruits (if using) and mix gently.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving of approximately 1 slice) Calories: Approximately 350 calories depending on the exact ingredients used. See nutrition facts label for precise values. Carbohydrates: High due to natural sugars and flour content. Fat: Moderate due to butter content. Protein: Moderate due to egg content. Fiber: Good source due to fruits and whole grains.

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich in flavor with a sweet and spicy combination of cinnamon and pumpkin.
• Moist and dense texture due to the combination of pumpkin puree and applesauce.
• Can be served as a breakfast item or as a snack paired with coffee or tea.

User Comments:

"This bread was so delicious! The combination of pumpkin and applesauce was unexpected but worked wonders." - John Doe, New York City, USA. "A perfect fall bread! The spices were well balanced and the bread was very moist." - Jane Smith, Los Angeles, USA. "Added pecans to this bread recipe which gave it a nice crunchy texture." - Michael Johnson, Chicago, USA.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use ripe pumpkins for best flavor and texture in the puree.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid a tough bread texture. Mix until just combined.
• Adjust the spices according to personal preference (e.g., add more cinnamon or nutmeg).