Are you as excited about bread baking month as I am? OK, maybe you’re not, but have you ever had the chance to smell that fresh from the oven aroma that you can only get from baked bread? It’s the most heavenly aroma on Earth! This month, why not try baking some bread on your own?

For beginners, try making an easy quick bread first. In our house, we make pumpkin bread fairly often and banana bread (or muffins) at least every month. These are not only easy to make—they’re also fabulous as a dessert or breakfast, as well as a snack.

To make pumpkin bread, gather together:

• 1.5 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup olive oil (use extra virgin for a healthy boost)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (we buy canned, but this is a great way to use Halloween pumpkins in October, too!)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

If you like nuts, you can also add a half cup of walnuts or pecans (or any nuts of your choice) to the recipe.

Stir your dry ingredients together, and then add your wet ingredients. If you’re using nuts, add them last. Bake in a bread loaf pan for about an hour at 350 degrees. Remember to check the center of the bread just like you would a cake—stick in a fork or toothpick and make sure it pulls out cleanly to be sure it’s done.

For some delicious banana bread, let three bananas sit out on the counter until they’re nice and ripe (you could use a paper bag, too). I like mine to get as dark as possible. (If you do this, be sure to let others know; once my husband composted the bananas I was ripening for bread!) Once they’re ripe enough, gather the rest of your ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup shortening

Again, if you like nuts (we’re not big on them in my house) you can add a half cup of your favorite variety.

Stir your shortening and sugar together, following with the rest of your ingredients. Bake the batter in a bread loaf pan at 325 degrees for an hour.

Another thing you can do with these recipes to make them healthier is to add your favorite fruits, some flaxseed, or very finely diced vegetables, like carrots. And once you’re ready to tackle some harder bread recipes, you may want to browse these breads for ideas.