1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2

Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices in a medium bowl.

3

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Beat in vanilla and pumpkin. Add dry ingredients, mixing until evenly moistened. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

4

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove bread from the oven and place it on a rack to cool for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, run a table knife around the edges of the pan to make sure the bread isn't sticking, turn it out of the pan, and place it on the rack to finish cooling completely before slicing.