Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg  
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1-2 cups squeezed dry zucchini
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two loaf pans.
2. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin purée, melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Add additional ingredients: Stir in zucchini, chocolate chips (if using), walnuts or pecans (if using), orange zest (if using), and ground ginger (if using).
6. Pour into pans: Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pans.
7. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Cool bread in pans for 5-10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the spice blend.
• For a richer flavor: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.
• For a tangy kick: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or orange juice to the batter.
• For a crunchier texture: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Pumpkin Bread!