Guarantee Great-Tasting Holiday Dishes
with the “Essential Eight”
McCormick® "Menu Math" Reveals Eight Spices Flavor More Than 180 Holiday Favorites
HUNT VALLEY, MD – With the holidays just around the corner, home cooks should be sure to have eight essential spices on-hand, according to an analysis of holiday favorite recipes by McCormick, the world’s leading spice company.
The McCormick Kitchens found these eight essential spices are key to more than 180 holiday recipes that will be prepared in kitchens across America between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day.
| • Allspice |
• Clove |
| • Cinnamon |
• Ginger |
| • Nutmeg |
• Sage |
| • Vanilla |
• Poultry seasoning |
"We looked at traditional favorites for the holidays and found that these eight ingredients really are the building blocks for all your meal occasions," said Laurie Harrsen, Director of Consumer Communications at McCormick. "It's a good idea now - before the holiday crunch - to be sure your pantry is properly stocked, so you don't come up short when you're putting together your Thanksgiving turkey, pumpkin pie or sugar cookies."
McCormick’s "menu math" reveals that cinnamon tops the list, showing up in more than 40 recipes, from sweet potatoes, to glazed ham to French toast. Nutmeg is another holiday hero, the key to a perfect eggnog or butternut squash soup. And, nothing says it’s the holidays more than homemade gingerbread, making ginger a must-have for the season.
Home cooks can enjoy entertaining this holiday season with delicious recipes featuring these essential eight spices. For a spectacular starter, try the
Holiday Pomegranate and Orange Salad. It combines allspice and cinnamon with the sweet, tart flavor of pomegranate juice for a special vinaigrette.
Savory Herb Rub Roasted Turkey features poultry seasoning and nutmeg with other spices to season the turkey inside and out. And,
Overnight French Toast makes an easy and indulgent New Year’s Day brunch. These are just a few of the holiday recipes available at
www.mccormick.com.
Give the Gift of Flavor
This holiday season, McCormick presents two delicious ways to give the gift of flavor:
•
The Holiday Essentials Kit: The “Holiday Essentials” gift pack features
allspice,
cinnamon,
clove,
ginger,
nutmeg,
sage and
poultry seasoning. A set of stainless steel measuring spoons and cups completes the gift set, making it easy and stylish to measure spices and ingredients. It is beautifully packaged in McCormick’s signature green box and hand-tied with an antique gold ribbon. The gift box retails for $54.99 and is available at
www.mccormickgourmet.com.
•
A New Cookbook: McCormick introduces
Cooking with Flavor, a new hardcover cookbook that brings basic recipes to life by adding a dash of spice or seasoning. This instant kitchen classic gives cooks of all levels the recipes for success, offering more than 100 delicious dishes and mouth-watering food photography. The book retails for $24.95. Visit
www.mccormick.com to buy
Cooking with Flavor or to enter to win one for yourself as part of the Book a Day Giveaway (November 15 – December 20).
About McCormick
With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home economist, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company, Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor. McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland. Today it is the largest spice company in the world. McCormick sources only the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the highest quality flavors to consumers. For more information, visit McCormick online at
www.mccormick.com, or call 1-800-MEAL-TIP (1-800-632-5847).
Allspice
Holiday Pomegranate and Orange Salad
Perfect for holiday entertaining, this salad is as much a feast for the eyes as it is the palate. Allspice and cinnamon combine with the sweet, tart flavor of pomegranate juice to create a special vinaigrette for mixed greens. Fresh oranges, Cinnamon Glazed Walnuts and pomegranate seeds complete this spectacular starter.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Allspice
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Mustard
4 twists McCormick® Black Peppercorn Grinder
3 twists McCormick® Sea Salt Grinder
8 cups baby or spring salad greens
3 oranges, peeled and sectioned
6 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
3/4 cup Cinnamon Glazed Walnuts (recipe below)
Directions
1. Whisk pomegranate juice, olive oil, vinegar, allspice, mustard, black pepper and salt in small bowl.
2. Just before serving, toss salad greens and vinaigrette in large bowl. Divide salad mixture evenly among 6 plates. Top each with about 5 orange sections, 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Glazed Walnuts and 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 276, Fat 20 g, Protein 4 g, Carbohydrates 20 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 116 mg, Fiber 4 g
Cinnamon Glazed Walnuts
Mix 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Ground Cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon McCormick® Red Pepper, Ground Cayenne and 1/4 teaspoon salt in small bowl and set aside. Beat 1 egg white in medium bowl until foamy. Add 2 cups walnut halves; toss to coat. Add spice mixture; toss to coat nuts evenly. Spread nuts in a single layer on greased baking sheet. Bake 1 hour at 250°F, stirring nuts after 30 minutes. Cool slightly and break apart.
Cinnamon
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch
This sweet potato side dish, with its cinnamon and ginger spiced pecan topping, will be the hit of your holiday meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Ground Cinnamon, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Ground Ginger, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup dried cranberries
6 tablespoons butter, cut up, divided
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, orange juice, vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon 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 tablespoons of the butter. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, mix flour, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon ginger in small bowl. Cut in remaining 4 tablespoons butter with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Stir in pecans. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and stir gently. Sprinkle evenly with pecan topping.
3. Bake, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes longer or until sweet potatoes are tender and topping is lightly browned.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 380, Fat 16 g, Protein 4 g, Carbohydrates 55 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 232 mg, Fiber 6g
Clove
Lemon Clove Cookies
The flavor combination of clove and lemon is delightful. A great addition to your holiday cookie plate.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Refrigerate: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes per batch
Makes 5 dozen or 30 (2 cookie) servings
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cloves
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Lemon Extract
Lemon Glaze:
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Lemon Extract
Directions
1. Mix flour, cloves and salt in medium bowl; set aside. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and lemon extract; beat until well blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture until well mixed.
2. Divide dough in half. Form each half into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 9 inches long. Wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut dough into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
4. For the Lemon Glaze, mix confectioners' sugar, water and lemon extract in small bowl until well blended. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let stand until glaze is set.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 121, Fat 5 g, Protein 1 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 62 mg, Fiber 0g
Ginger
Triple Chocolate Gingerbread
Chocolate pudding, mini chocolate chips, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice transform basic chocolate cake mix into an extraordinary flavor sensation.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Makes 16 servings
Ingredients
1 package (18 1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
1 package (4-serving size) chocolate instant pudding mix
4 eggs
1 tablespoon McCormick® Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Allspice
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup water
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Confectioners' sugar (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat all ingredients except chocolate chips in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened, scraping side of bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes or until well blended.
2. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into 10-cup Bundt pan that has been sprayed with no stick baking spray with flour.
3. Bake 50 minutes or until cake pulls away from side of pan and cake springs back when touched lightly. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Invert cake onto wire rack. Cool completely. If desired, sprinkle cake with confectioners' sugar and serve with whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 377, Fat 17 g, Protein 5 g, Carbohydrates 51 g, Cholesterol 58 mg, Sodium 327 mg, Fiber 1 g
Nutmeg
Spicy Nutmeg Carrots
This spicy nutmeg carrots recipe is easy enough to prepare for your family during the week or a special holiday meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Makes 5 servings
Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) baby carrots
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Salt
1/8 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Red Pepper
Directions
1. Cook carrots as directed on package.
2. Mix butter, nutmeg, garlic salt and red pepper in small bowl. Pour over carrots; toss to coat well. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 80, Fat 4 g, Protein 1 g, Carbohydrates 10 g, Cholesterol 12 mg, Sodium 180 mg, Fiber 2 g
Sage
Sage and Cheddar Potato Gratin
Sage enhances the creamy cheddar taste of this potato gratin recipe. This will prove to be a crowd pleaser for all your holiday dinners.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Makes 12 (1/2-cup) servings
Ingredients
2 teaspoons McCormick® Rubbed Sage OR McCormick® Sage Leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Black Pepper
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix sage, salt and pepper in small bowl. Layer 1/3 of the potatoes and 1/2 of the onion in lightly greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the sage mixture and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining potatoes, sage mixture and cheese.
2. Stir broth and cream in medium bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Pour evenly over potatoes.
3. Bake 1 hour or until potatoes are tender and top is golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 238, Fat 14 g, Protein 8 g, Carbohydrates 20 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 511 mg, Fiber 2 g
Vanilla
Overnight French Toast
Sweet and fruity, Overnight French Toast makes a delicious addition to your brunch or breakfast table.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Refrigerate: 4 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
5 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 loaf French bread, cut into 8 (1-inch thick) slices
1 package (16 ounces) frozen whole strawberries, thawed
4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon McCormick® Cinnamon Sugar
Directions
1. Mix eggs, milk, vanilla extract and baking powder. Pour over bread to soak; turn to coat well. Cover. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Mix strawberries, bananas and granulated sugar in 13x9-inch baking dish. Top with soaked bread slices. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 333, Fat 5 g, Protein 9 g, Carbohydrates 63 g, Cholesterol 134 mg, Sodium 280 mg, Fiber 4 g
Poultry Seasoning
Savory Herb Rub Roasted Turkey
The herb rub lends delicious savory flavor to the outside of your turkey, while basting keeps the meat juicy inside. Be sure to reserve the pan juices to make McCormick’s Perfect Turkey Gravy.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 1/2 hours
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons McCormick® Poultry Seasoning
1 tablespoon McCormick® Season-All® Seasoned Salt
1 tablespoon McCormick® Paprika
2 teaspoons McCormick® Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg
1 whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds), fresh or frozen, thawed
1 large onion, cut into wedges
6 McCormick® Bay Leaves
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions
1. Place oven rack in lowest position. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place roasting rack in shallow roasting pan. Mix first 6 ingredients in small bowl.
2. Rinse turkey; pat dry. Place turkey, breast-side up, in prepared pan. Sprinkle about half of the seasoning mixture inside of turkey. Stuff with onion and bay leaves. Brush turkey breast with oil. Spread remaining seasoning mixture over entire surface and under skin of turkey. Add 1/2 cup water to pan; cover loosely with heavy duty foil.
3. Roast 1 hour. Remove foil. Roast 2 to 2 1/2 hours longer or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (175°F in thigh), basting occasionally with pan juices. Remove turkey from oven. Let stand 20 minutes. Transfer to platter or carving board to slice. Reserve pan juices to make gravy.
Nutritional Information
Per One Serving: Calories: 576, Fat 28 g, Protein 78 g, Carbohydrates 3 g, Cholesterol 219 mg, Sodium 534 mg, Fiber 1 g