Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Grease loaf pans. I dust the greased loaf pans lightly with a little sugar and cinnamon, but that is totally optional.*

Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar, using an electric mixer on medium. Add the eggs and continue to beat until combined.

Alternately stir the four mixture and the water into the butter mixture, using a wooden spoon or rubber scraper. Add the pumpkin puree and stir until the batter is completely combined.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pans and bake for 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let the loaves cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove them from the pans. Cool completely on wire racks before serving.