Spice Up Your Holidays with McCormick Flavors

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As the holidays draw near, stained and well-loved cookbooks get pulled out for tried and true family recipes. And if you're like me, when I pack my bags to head home for Thanksgiving, my McCormick spices are sure to be in them.

McCormick's familiar red label and quality herbs and spices have been thrilling people’s taste buds all over the world for nearly 125 years, with no end in sight. McCormick boasts about their quest for flavor and passion for creating endless flavor excitement as they meet the demand for “food personality” by delivering the deepest and broadest range of flavors and ingredients. Their vision for fascinating food inspires people to try bold flavor ideas, collaborate and brainstorm—all while having fun doing it.

McCormick's principles are also deeply rooted in sustainable agriculture. With much of their business growing out of the soil, they are mindful of protecting Earth’s resources. They are investing in quality, pure flavors, inspiring healthy choices and innovative global flavor solutions. "Great-tasting meals start with pure flavor, and flavor is the heart of everything we do here."

Read on to enjoy a sampling of the hundreds of recipes McCormick offers on their website (www.mccormick.com). Log on for more great recipes from the taste you trust!

Create Flavorful, Healthier Meals: Making healthier, home cooked meals doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Natural herbs and spices are packed with flavor you can add to your favorite family meals every day. They make it easier to enjoy more of the foods you want to eat, like vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and less of the ingredients you want to avoid, like fat, salt and sugar. It's that simple. McCormick's mission is to save the world from "boring" healthy food by sharing healthier, flavorful recipes for you to enjoy every day.

"Our products make up 90 percent of a meal’s flavor and just 10 percent of the cost. "

Flavor Forecast: Every year McCormick identifies the top trends and flavors for the year ahead. In 2016 there’s a focus on discovering new tropical Asian flavors, as well as versatile spice blends with good-for-you ingredients, and combining spicy with tang. The six flavors to keep an eye on include: heat + tang, tropical Asian, alternative “pulse” proteins, blends with benefits, ancestral flavors and culinary-infused sips.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes
with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch
Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 1 hour  | Serves: 8

A pecan-pie-inspired topping brings a festive
twist to classic sweet potatoes.
¾ cup Brown sugar, firmly packed, divided
2 Tbsps Orange juice
2 tsps McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
1½ tsps McCormick® Cinnamon, ground, divided
1½ tsps McCormick® Ginger, ground, divided
½ tsp Salt
3 lbs. Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup Dried cranberries
6 Tbsps Butter, cut up, divided
½ cup Flour
1 cup Pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix ¼ cup of the brown sugar, orange juice, vanilla, ½ tsp each of the cinnamon and ginger, and salt in large bowl. Add sweet potatoes; toss to coat well. Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cranberries. Dot with 2 Tbsps of the butter. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix flour, remaining ½ cup brown sugar and remaining 1 tsp each cinnamon and ginger in medium bowl. Cut in remaining 4 Tbsps butter with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Stir in pecans. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and stir gently. Sprinkle evenly with pecan topping.
Bake, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes longer or until sweet potatoes are tender and topping is lightly browned.

Cheesy Bacon & Egg Brunch CasseroleCheesyBaconandEgg
Prep Time: 25 mins  |  Cook Time: 50 mins  | Serves: 12

Thanksgiving morning is sure to be a rush. This one-dish brunch casserole is ideal for a crowd. Add a fruit salad and you can sit back and enjoy your company.
8 slices Bacon
1 medium Onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 loaf (8 oz.) Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (5 cups)
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup Cottage cheese
5 Eggs
1½ cups Milk
2 tsps McCormick® Mustard, ground
½ tsp McCormick® Nutmeg, ground
1 tsp McCormick® Black Pepper, ground

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside. Remove all but 2 Tbsps drippings from skillet. Add onion to skillet; cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened.

Spread ½ of the bread cubes in 13x9-inch baking dish. Layer with ½ each of the onion, bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Spread evenly with cottage cheese. Top with remaining bread cubes, onion, bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Beat eggs in medium bowl with wire whisk. Add milk, mustard, pepper and nutmeg; mix well. Gradually pour into baking dish. Press bread cubes lightly into egg mixture until completely covered. Let stand 10 minutes. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set and top is golden brown.

Make Ahead: Casserole can be assembled 1 day ahead. Prepare as directed, increasing milk to 2 cups. Cover and store in refrigerator. Remove cover and bake as directed.

Homemade Cranberry SauceHomadeCranberrySauce
Prep Time: 5 mins  |  Cook Time: 15 mins  | Serves: 8

Our cranberry sauce, with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, is a favorite holiday recipe.
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Water
1 pkg. (12 oz.) Fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
½ tsp McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground
½ tsp Orange peel, grated (optional)
½ tsp McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

Mix sugar and water in medium saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Add cranberries, cinnamon and orange peel; return to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 minutes or until cranberries burst and sauce begins to thicken, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Make Ahead: Cranberry sauce can be prepared up to 1 week ahead. Store in refrigerator. Stir before serving.

Gingered Orange Cranberry Sauce: Prepare as directed, using ½ tsp each McCormick® Ground Ginger and McCormick® Pure Orange Extract in place of the cinnamon, grated orange peel and vanilla.

Corn Bread & Sausage Stuffing
Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 35 mins  | Serves: 12

Try corn bread stuffing at your next holiday meal. It's sure to become a family favorite.
6 Tbsps Butter
1 cup Onion, chopped
1 cup Celery, chopped
½ cup Green bell pepper, chopped
2 tsps McCormick® Poultry Seasoning
1½ tsps McCormick® Thyme Leaves
1 tsp McCormick® Garlic Powder
10 cups Corn bread, coarsely crumbled
½ lb. Sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 can (14½ oz.) Chicken broth

Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add celery, onion and bell pepper; cook and stir 5 minutes. Stir in poultry seasoning, thyme and garlic powder.

Mix corn bread, vegetable mixture and sausage in large bowl. Add broth; toss gently until well mixed. Spoon into lightly greased 13x9-inch baking dish.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned.
Substitution Tip: Use 1 ¾ cups Kitchen Basics® Original Chicken Stock in place of the chicken broth.

Ultimate Leftover Turkey PaniniTurkeyPanini
Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 16 mins  | Serves: 4
You will be making this sandwich long after the holiday turkey leftovers are done. Roast turkey, arugula and sharp cheddar, along with cranberry mayo, are layered between pumpernickel bread then cooked until toasted.

½ cup Cranberry sauce
2 Tbsps Mayonnaise
½ tsp McCormick® Ginger, ground
2 Tbsps Butter, melted
8 slices Pumpernickel bread
1 lb. Roast turkey, sliced
1 cup Baby arugula leaves
4 slices Sharp cheddar cheese

Mix cranberry sauce, mayonnaise and ginger in small bowl. Set aside. Spread butter on 1 side of each slice of bread. Place 4 of the bread slices, buttered-side down, on cutting board. Top with turkey, cranberry spread, arugula leaves and cheese. Cover each with second slice of bread, buttered-side up.

Heat large skillet on medium heat. Place 2 of the sandwiches in skillet. Cook 2 to 4 minutes per side or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.

Talking TurkeyTalkingTurkey
A golden brown roast turkey that’s moist and savory is truly the centerpiece of the holiday table. Whether you are planning on serving the traditional roast turkey or would like to try something with a creative flavor twist, we’ve got the perfect tips for you.

Turkey Flavor Tips
For flavorful turkey, brush the turkey breast with oil. Rub a seasoning mixture all over the turkey, as well as under the skin. It's easy to make your own blend. Try including a combination of flavors, such as Poultry Seasoning, Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, Rubbed Sage, Garlic Powder, Seasoned Salt or Ground Black Pepper

A little Ground Nutmeg will add a warm twist; while a sprinkle of Smoked Paprika will give your turkey a flavor and color boost.

Want to add some sweet to that savory bird? make a glaze with 1 cup apricot preserves, 1/2 cup orange juice and 2 Tbsps honey. Spoon over turkey during last 5 minutes of roasting.

When bringing your turkey, substitute apple cider, craft beer or Kitchen Basics Chicken or Turkey Stock or some of the water.

Stuff the turkey cavity with aromatic ingredients, such as McCormick Bay Leaves, lemon or orange halves, celery ribs and onion wedges, so the meat and turkey drippings will be flavorful.
Put the stuffing on the outside! Coat turkey with crumbled corn bread mixed with McCormick Rubbed Sage for a crunchy crust.

Turkey Cooking Tips
The safest way to defrost a turkey is in the refrigerator. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper and place it on a tray or baking pan to catch any drips. Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. So a 12-16 lb. turkey should require 3-4 days of thawing time in the refrigerator.
At an oven temperature of 325 degrees, roast your turkey for approximately:
8-12 lbs. = 2⅔ -3 hrs
12-14 lbs. = 3-3¾ hrs
14-18 lbs. = 3¾ -4¼ hrs
18-20 lbs. = 4¼-4½ hrs
20-24 lbs. =  4½-5 hrs

Keep the turkey moist by adding 1/2 cup of water or Kitchen Basics Chicken or Turkey Stock to the roasting pan and covering the turkey with foil for the first hour of roasting.

A turkey will roast more evenly without the stuffing. Plus, by the time the stuffing reaches the safe minimal internal temperature of 165 degrees, the turkey will be overcooked. You can still have your Thanksgiving stuffing–just cook it in a baking dish alongside your turkey.

The most accurate way to determine if the turkey is cooked through is with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the thermometer reaches 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the breast and 175 degrees in the thigh. The tip of the thermometer should not touch the bone.

Once the turkey comes out of the oven it is important to let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist turkey that's easier to carve.

Sage and Turkey Pot Pie SoupSage and Turkey Pot Pie
Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 25 mins  | Serves: 6

All the flavors of turkey pot pie are in this soup—from the creamy sage broth to the chunks of turkey, mixed vegetables and even a pie crust topper.

2 Tbsps Butter
1 cup Onion, chopped
2 pkgs McCormick® Turkey Gravy Mix
1 Tbsp McCormick® Sage, Rubbed
1 tsp McCormick® Garlic Powder
2 cups Kitchen Basics® Unsalted Chicken Stock
2 Tbsps Flour
2 cups Half-and-half
2 cups Roast turkey, chopped
2 cups Frozen mixed vegetables
1 pkg (14 oz.) Refrigerated pie
crusts, (2 crusts)

Preheat oven to 450°F. Melt butter in medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Add flour, gravy mixes, sage and garlic powder; stir with wire whisk until well mixed. Gradually stir in broth and half-and-half until well blended. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Stir in turkey and mixed vegetables; simmer 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, unroll pie crusts. Cut out 3 large circles from each crust. Place on baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. To serve soup, ladle into soup bowls and top each with 1 crust.

Caramel Pumpkin Oatmeal BarsOatmeal Bars
Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 35 mins  | Serves: 24

Prepare this updated rendition of the classic bar cookie for the holiday dessert table or cookie exchanges.

2 cups Flour
2 cups Old fashioned oats
1½ cups Light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp Baking soda
½ tsp Salt
1½ tsps McCormick® Cinnamon, ground
¾ tsp McCormick® Ginger, ground
¼ tsp McCormick® Nutmeg, ground
1 cup (2 stick) Butter, melted
1 cup canned Pumpkin
1 tsp McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
7 oz. (½ of 14 oz. pkg) caramels, unwrapped
2 Tbsps Milk

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, salt and spices in large bowl. Add butter; stir until mixture is well blended and forms coarse crumbs. Reserve ½ (about 2 ¼ cups) for the topping. Add pumpkin and vanilla to remaining mixture in bowl; stir until well blended. Press evenly into bottom of greased foil-lined 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

Microwave caramels and milk in medium microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after every minute. Let stand 1 minute. Pour over pumpkin mixture in pan, spreading to within ½-inch of edges. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Lift from pan. Cut into bars.

Test Kitchen Tip: Prepare as directed, using 1 Tbsp McCormick® Pumpkin Pie Spice in place of the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.

Gravy Flavor Tips
Gravy is an essential part of the holiday meal. Use McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix for perfect gravy every time. For gluten-free turkey gravy, try McCormick Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy Mix.

For herbed gravy, add 1/2 tsp McCormick Rubbed Sage or Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning or 1/4 tsp McCormick Poultry Seasoning or Thyme Leaves to 3 cups prepared gravy.

For rich savory flavor, add sauteed onions and mushrooms or cooked bacon to prepared gravy.

Use Kitchen Basics Turkey or Chicken Stock in place of water when making gravy.

Use apple juice or apple cider in place of the pan drippings for flavorful gravy.

Stir is white wine and McCormick garlic powder when preparing gravy for an easy gourmet touch.

Spice it up. Add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or McCormick chipotle chili pepper to 3 cups prepared gravy.

For a citrus twist, add 1 Tbsp orange juice and 1/2 tsp McCormick Rubbed Sage to 3 cups prepared gravy.

Decadent Chocolate Pecan PiePecan Pie
Prep Time: 15 mins  |  Cook Time: 1 hr  | Serves: 10

Try this luscious variation of the classic pecan pie for a memorable end to your holiday meal. The spicy crunch of a traditional pecan pie nestles on top of a layer of divinely rich chocolate.

1 Refrigerated pie crust, (from 14.1 oz. pkg)
1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 Tbsps Milk
4 Eggs
3 Tbsps Butter, melted
2 tsps McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
1 cup Dark corn syrup
1 cup Sugar
½ tsp McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground
¼ tsp McCormick® Allspice, Ground
¼ tsp Salt
1½ cups Pecan halves

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 9-inch deep dish pie plate with pie crust. Bake 7 minutes. Remove crust from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Meanwhile, microwave chocolate chips and milk in medium microwavable bowl on high 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour chocolate evenly over crust.

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Slowly pour mixture over chocolate layer. Place ring of foil around edges of crust to prevent over-browning.

Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until filling is puffed and center is still soft enough to move when shaken gently. Cool on completely wire rack.

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