How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Here's how I make pumpkin bread. This recipe is from a cookbook I've had for 43 years. In other words, it predates "healthy" and/or "trendy".
Pumpkin Bread
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 3 loaf pans. Sift together:
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
In another bowl, beat until light and fluffy:
2/3 cups shortening
2 2/3 cups sugar
4 eggs
Add and beat in:
2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin
Now add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with:
2/3 cups milk or water
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Do not overbeat. Fold in:
1 cup coarsely choppped nuts (optional)
2/3 cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
Pour batter into greased pans and bake about 1 hour or until a toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool well before removing from pans. Makes 3 loaves. This recipe freezes well.