Persimmon Bread

1 cup persimmon pulp

2 teaspoons baking soda

3 cups white sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2/3 cup water

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped walnuts (opt)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 6x3 inch loaf pans. (or equilvalent)
1. In a small bowl, stir together the persimmon pulp and baking soda. Let stand 5 minutes to thicken the pulp.
2. In a medium bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until smooth. Mix in persimmon pulp and water alternately with flour. Fold in nuts. Divide batter into the prepared pans, filling each pan 2/3 full.
3. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.