While many of us think of the holidays as a time for feasts and parties, we sometimes overlook the basics to the success of the party or feast. Oftentimes the most simple recipes become the party favorite, with little effort needed for the success(es).

The following recipes are sure to add substance to your menu. For added impact, consider serving these as a fresh baked bread, still warm, with fresh butter melting... Ah, back to the kitchen.

Although pumpkin bread is a great addition to the holiday scene, this recipe is a winner any time of the year.

1 can (29 oz) pumpkin

3 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups oil

3 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups water

2 tablespoons vanilla

1 cup organic raisins

1/2 cup organic apples, peeled and chopped

Sift together:

5 1/4 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cloves

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon ginger

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease three 9x5 loaf pans. In large bowl, blend first five ingredients, beat for one minute at medium speed in Kitchen Aid. Add flour mixture, blend at low speed until moistened. Add pecans and apples, beat at medium speed for one minute. Pour batter into loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes, or until knife inserted c

3 eggs, beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup oil

2 tablespoons vanilla

1 cup pecans, chopped

3 cups grated zucchini

Sift together:

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons cloves

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9x5 loaf pans. In large mixing bowl, mix first four ingredients. Fold in flour mixture, in three separate parts. Beat batter after each addition until smooth. Add pecans and zucchini. Mix until blended. Place in loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until knife inserted comes out clean.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9x5 loaf pan. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.

1/3 cup shortening

2/3 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cups ripe banana pulp

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped

Sift together:

1 3/4 cup flour

2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Chop pecans and dried apricots. Place in small mixing bow, setting aside. In large mixing bowl, blend first three ingredients until creamy. Beat in eggs and banana, and mix. Add sifted ingredients in three equal parts, beating batter after each addition until smooth. Fold in pecans and apricots, mixing well.

Place batter in greased loaf pan. Bake one hour at 350 degrees, or until knife inserted comes out clean. Cool before slicing, or serve warm.

Remember, these are great recipes for the holidays and throughout the year. Happy baking!