Twice a year at the Taunton Press (Fine Cooking’s parent company) we have Taunton University – this is an opportunity to teach fellow employees about different parts of the company that they may not have exposure to on a daily basis. In addition to business, we have hands-on classes where employees can learn how to cook a meal on a budget, build a book shelf or create a roman shade. This year I am going to teach a holiday baking class! I am not really a “holiday” baker but figured I could teach some techniques and maybe channel some recipes from the finecooking.com universe…but since I don’t have ESP, perhaps you can send me suggestions on favorite recipes to share with my fellow Tauntonites.

What are your favorite holiday recipes? I need the following:

1) cookies (of course)

2) cakes (coffee, pound, cup or otherwise)

3) bars

4) breads (I’m thinking pannetone and other enriched yeast breads, but quick breads will do, too)

I’m open to anything else that is leavened, so post your recipes in the comments section. It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays…