Holiday beginnings: join in the spirit or the season as you count down the days to your family dinners and parties. With a few timesaving preparations, entertaining is easy

Ebony, Nov, 2003

The weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day buzz with activity. Having a few foods ready in advance means you can celebrate at a moment's notice. It's smart to make a large pot of winter favorites like soup, and store portions in the freezer. Need something to serve when friends stop by? Baked goods are ideal for spontaneous get-togethers--try Pillsbury[R] Pumpkin-Pistachio Quick Bread. Convenient GLAD[R] food-storage products and Pillsbury mixes will get you through the holiday season with ease.

pumpkin-pistachio quick bread
makes 3 loaves

BREAD

1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons rum
  Water
1 (14-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury[R] Pumpkin Quick
  Bread & Muffin Mix
3 tablespoons oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup coarsely chopped shelled pistachios

GLAZE

1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon rum

1. In small bowl, soak raisins in 2 tablespoons rum for 30 minutes. Drain off rum into 1-cup glass measuring cup. Add enough water to make 1 cup liquid; set aside for bread batter.

2. Heat oven to 350[degrees]F. Grease and flour bottoms only of three 5x3-inch foil loaf pans. In large bowl, combine quick bread mix, reserved 1 cup liquid, oil and eggs; stir 50 to 75 strokes with spoon until mix is moistened. Stir in soaked raisins and pistachios. Pour batter evenly into greased and floured pans. Bake at 350[degrees]F. for 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

3. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, combine sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and the butter. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Boil 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon rum. Poke surface of loaves with toothpick. Brush top of each loaf with glaze. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled. Wrap tightly in Glad[R] ClingWrap with fun holiday colors, and store in refrigerator.

HOLIDAY GIFT FOR YOU: Look for specially marked Glad[R] products containing free Pillsbury Holiday Recipe booklets with more easy dessert ideas like the Pumpkin-Pistachio Quick Bread on this page.