Pumpkin Oat Bread

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup rolled oats + 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, for topping

Directions:
Place oats in a food processor or blender. Pulse until oats are finely ground. Pour into a large bowl along with flour, spices, baking soda, and pecans. Set aside.

In a medium bowl whisk together pumpkin, vanilla, maple syrup, butter, and eggs, until combined. Pour into dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

Scrape batter into a greased 8 or 9-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle with additional oats and pecans. Bake at 350˚ for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Makes: 1 loaf (approximately 10 servings)