This post is sponsored by McCormick® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
The holidays are here. Time to bring on all the traditions, family gatherings, baking, cooking and mess making. It’s that time for family recipes: grandma’s pie, mom’s cookies or auntie’s cheese ball. Shopping lists are mostly ingredients found in the baking aisle and the home has a lingering smell of spices and herbs. Ready to get cooking yet?
When it comes to holiday baking and cooking I like to mix up a few traditional recipes but also present something that may be a little less expected. While there is no messing with the family cheese ball recipe, sometimes offering up a fruit tart instead of a pie is an unexpected treat. Plus don’t tell anybody that the prep is ½ the work.
Whether serving up tradition or a twist, for years our family has reached for McCormick® herbs and spices. I remember watching cooking shows growing up and learning the the quality of the ingredients really makes or breaks the dish you are preparing. That’s why it’s an no brainer when it comes to choosing the quality of McCormick®. Plus McCormick® extracts, gravy, herbs and spices can all be conveniently found at your local Walmart.
Our local Walmart had a huge selection for all my baking and cooking needs. I was able to find all the McCormick® herbs and spices in a variety of options including numerous organic versions of the herbs I grew up seeing my family use. I’ll definitely be heading back to our Walmart baking aisle to pick up all the McCormick® herbs and spices I’ll need for all my holiday baking needs.
Since McCormick® is all about helping you “make it home” this holiday season I’m excited to share two of our own family favorite holiday recipes. My cheese ball is a classic with only 5 ingredients; perfect to serve alongside an array of crackers or pretzel sticks. By using McCormick® Rosemary the herbed flavor is so fresh and works perfectly with the surprise of smoked gouda and chopped cranberries.
And while one may immediately think pie for Thanksgiving, I’m twisting up tradition with my Pear Tart; a simple pressed-crust dessert that will turn even the biggest pie lovers into fans. Made with McCormick® Almond Extract and McCormick® Ground Cinnamon this recipe is bursting with all the fall harvest and holiday flavors.
Cranberry Gouda Cheese Ball
1 – 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
4 oz smoked gouda, grated (can use sharp cheddar instead)
1/3 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 ½ tsp McCormick® Gourmet ™ Organic Rosemary Leaves
½ cup pecans, finely chopped
In a bowl combine softened cream cheese, shredded gouda, cranberries and McCormick® Rosemary. Stir together until well mixed. Roll into a ball and roll cheese ball into chopped pecans. Press the pecans onto the cheese ball to make sure it sticks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Can also freeze to thaw and serve later; perfect for unexpected guests!
Pear Tart
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp McCormick® Pure Almond Extract (can sub with ½ tsp McCormick®Pure Vanilla Extract)
3 pears (preferably Bosc but Bartletts will work), peeled, cored and sliced into 1/4″ slices
1 cup flour
¼ tsp baking powder
2 TBSP sugar
1 ½ teaspoons McCormick® Ground Cinnamon
¼ cup apricot jam
Juice from ½ lemon (about 1 TBSP)
Preheat your oven to 350. Grease a 14” rectangular tart pan. If you don’t have a rectangular tart pan you can absolutely use a 10” round tart pan.
Cream the butter and ½ cup sugar. Add the egg and extract and beat until combined. Slowly add the flour and baking powder and beat until a soft dough forms.
Now you have to get your fingers messy. Press the dough into the bottom of your tart pan. You can flour your fingers if it’s sticking too much…this is definitely a soft dough. Once evenly in your pan arrange the pears in 2 nice little rows.
Mix the 2 TBSP sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the pears.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
In a microwave safe bowl combine the apricot jam and lemon juice. Microwave until warmed for 20-30 seconds. It should be melted and liquid. Brush gently over the cooled tart and let set. Can store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
