Pumpkin and Ginger Loaf

• 125 g butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/3 cup chopped glazed ginger (optional)
• 1 cup cold mashed pumpkin

1. Cream butter, essence and sugar.
2. Add sugar and beat till light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
4. Add half flour, baking powder and milk. Beat lightly.
5. Add remainder flour, baking powder and milk. Beat.
6. Add spices, ginger and pumpkin and beat till smooth.
7. Put into loaf tin which has been greased or lined with baking paper.
8. Bake in a moderate oven for approximately 1 hour.