Classic Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

shortening (I use butter; either dairy or non-dairy)

granulated sugar

eggs

can (15 oz.) pumpkin or 2 cups fresh pumpkin puree, well drained

water

gluten-free all-purpose flour mix

xanthan gum (optional, but read notes)

baking soda

salt (my "go to" salt)

baking powder

pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp ground allspice)

coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

raisins (optional)