Combine the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, nuts, oil, water, and spices in a mixing bowl. Combine the sugar, flour, baking soda and salt in another bowl; stir into the pumpkin mixture. Blend until the ingredients are moistened. Pour the batter into a waxed paper-lined 9x5x3-inch glass loaf pan.
Cook in the microwave, uncovered, 16 to 17 minutes at Power Level 7; rotate the dish ½ turn and shield the corners with waxed paper halfway through cooking. When it's done, the top will appear moist and a wooden pick inserted near the center will come out clean. Let the bread stand covered with the waxed paper on a flat surface for 5 minutes. Remove the bread from the dish and remove the waxed paper. Cool on a wire rack.
1 loaf (6-inch) French bread, cut 2/3 of the way through at 1-inch intervals
Place the margarine, garlic, salt, and pepper in a 1-cup glass measuring cup. Cook in the microwave, uncovered, for 45-60 seconds at Power Level 1 or until the margarine is softened but not melted; beat to blend.
Spread the margarine mixture between the slices of bread. Wrap the loaf loosely in waxed paper for a soft loaf or place unwrapped on a paper towel for a crisper loaf. Cook in the microwave for 30-45 seconds at the highest power level or until hot.
