Perfect for Fall...Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread

How is it that sometimes the simplest things can put you in the best mood to start your day? Maybe in the middle of driving in traffic on the way to work your favorite song comes on? Maybe its just the sunlight and how it shines on the water or driving through the red, orange and yellow fall leaves.  Today was one of those days, where I wish I could just keep driving or at least maintain the "great day" through out the day at work.  Not let some of the bs that can some days sneak in from nowhere sneak in.  To just enjoy the simple things, and get the work done that has to be done, because there is another three meetings to plan next week. To maybe listen to that song that got you in a great mood a few more times that morning.  I admit...this is totally a pep talk to myself...but some days we have to give ourselves one. Other days we have to leave it to "Kid President" for a pep talk.  Don't forget though...a word from Kid President..."Create something that with make the world AWESOME!"  

Sometimes the best way for me to make my day a little better is to bake...maybe spend Saturday kneading, rolling out and baking some pumpkin cinnamon swirl bread.  I have had this recipe pinned on pinterest for a really long time, and was happy to finally get around to making it.  It turned out delicious!  Almost a cinnamon roll in bread form...with one of my co-workers even requesting that I top it with cream cheese frosting/glaze next time.  It was prefect toasted up and spread with just a little butter...or in my case fake butter, but still.  So if you have a little time, this bread is most definitely worth a try!  Enjoy!

A few more everyday things that can make a day...at least for me.

Coffee and multigrain pancakes from my favorite West Coast breakfast spot.  If I could figure out how to recreate their pancakes I would make them all of the time!

Spotting a North Carolina shaped cloud in the early morning sunrise.

Seeing the sunrise over a new city.

I love my Kitchen-aid mixer...especially because it makes making bread so much easier!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread: (recipe from adapted Cooking Classy)

2 1/4 teaspoon yeast 
1/4 cup warm water, 110 degrees 
1/2 tsp granulated sugar 
1/4 cup milk, warmed to 110 degrees 
2 tablespoon molasses 
1/4 cup granulated sugar 
3/4 teaspoon salt 
1 tablespoon butter, softened 
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
1 egg 
1 cup canned pumpkin puree 
3 1/4 cups all purpose flour 

For the swirl 
1 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted 
1/3 cup light-brown sugar 
3 teaspoon cinnamon

1.  In the bowl of an electric mixer combine water, yeast and 1/2 tsp granulated sugar. Whisk until yeast has dissolved and let rest 5 minutes. 

2.  Whisk in the milk, molasses, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, salt, softened butter, nutmeg, ginger, egg and pumpkin puree until well combine. 

3.  Slowly add flour and knead with a dough hook attachment until dough is smooth and elastic. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until double, about 1 hour.

4.  Butter an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" in pan, set aside. 

5.  In a small bowl whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon, set aside. 

6.  Punch the risen dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 22" x 8." 

7.  Brush with melted butter, coming within about 1/2" of the edges. Sprinkle with cinnamon mixture, coming within about 1/2" of the edges. 

8.  Roll dough up jelly roll style, starting with the short side. Place rolled dough in greased loaf pan and let rise in a warm place until doubled about 45 - 60 minutes.  While the loaf is rising, about half way through, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

9.  Bake bread at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, tent loaf with foil halfway through baking to prevent excessive browning. Allow to cool in pan 5 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.  Best Toasted or slightly warmed.  Enjoy!