Whole Grain Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup agave syrup
• 2 tbsp. milled flax mixed with 6 tbsp water
• 1 1/3 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups barley flour
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more to swirl on top
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice or cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine wet ingredients and spices.
3. Add flour and salt, stir in raisins.
4. Add baking soda to hot water, stir to mix, and then add to batter.
5. Spread batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
6. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and swirl with the tip of a table knife for a pretty marbled effect.
7. Bake for 55 to an hour and 5 minutes. Be sure to check that the bread is done baking by inserting a toothpick in the top. It should come out clean. If the top of the bread jiggles when you pull it out of the oven, it’s NOT done!
8. Cool on wire rack for 1/2 hour before slicing.