What's for Dinner in 2010 - Recipes

Lemon-Bay Tortellini with Spinach & Wild Mushrooms Recipe

The way America cooks is in the midst of a flavorful evolution, according to the 10th annual McCormick® Flavor Forecast®. The report predicts an increased preference for high-impact flavors, balanced with comforting favorites. We'll see new flavor combinations, thanks to the breadth of year-round ingredients, chosen and preserved at the peak of freshness, available in a pantry near you.
"Flavor has never been so quick and accessible," says Kevan Vetter, Executive Chef at McCormick. "Today, a well-stocked pantry is like having a local farmer's market or bountiful backyard garden in your kitchen." 

The endless harvest of canned, pickled, preserved, frozen and dried ingredients are indispensable, at-the-ready tools for everyday one-dish meal ideas that are anything but ordinary.
For example, a convenient can of coconut milk takes pumpkin pie spice and chicken thighs Caribbean. Economical canned chickpeas add Mediterranean flair to once-humble Shepherd's Pie, now featuring the alluring warmth of roasted cumin. And, aromatic bay leaves join salty-tart preserved lemons to brighten up tortellini, courtesy of the local grocer (or, your own handiwork - see below).
For more easy recipes and featured flavor pairings, visit www.flavorforecast.com.

Lemon-Bay Tortellini with Spinach & Wild Mushrooms
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

1/2    preserved lemon (see below)
2    McCormick Bay Leaves
1    package (12 ounces) cheese tortellini
2    cups frozen leaf spinach, unthawed   
4    strips bacon
1     medium shallot, finely chopped
1/4   cup olive oil
8    ounces sliced assorted mushrooms
1    teaspoon McCormick Minced Garlic
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1.    Remove and discard pulp from preserved lemon. Rinse peel to remove excess salt. Coarsely chop peel (about 2 tablespoons). Set aside.
2.    Bring water and bay leaves to boil in large saucepot. Stir in tortellini. Cook as directed on package, adding frozen spinach during last minute of cooking. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Discard bay leaves.
3.    Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon; set aside. Add shallots to bacon drippings; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add oil, mushrooms, garlic and preserved lemon peel; cook and stir 3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add tortellini mixture and reserved cooking water; toss to mix well. Sprinkle with bacon. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Makes 6 servings.
To prepare with fresh spinach: Cook tortellini as directed, omitting the frozen leaf spinach. Cook bacon and mushrooms as directed. Stir in 1 package (6 ounces) baby spinach leaves until slightly wilted. Continue as above.
Nutrition Information per Serving: 416 Calories, Fat 24g, Protein 13g, Carbohydrates 37g, Cholesterol 46mg, Sodium 729mg, Fiber 5g

Preserving Lemons
Although preserved lemons can be found at some specialty food stores, making your own requires just three basic ingredients - lemons, salt and time (it takes at least three weeks before the lemons are ready to use). For added dimension, bay leaves can even be included in the preserving salt. It is the supple rind of preserved lemons that is most valued - sliced, chopped or minced to complement the texture of the dish. For step-by-step instructions, visit mccormick.com.


Caribbean Chicken with Mango Coconut Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

1/4   cup flour
1   tablespoon McCormick Paprika
1   tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice, divided
1   teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Sicilian Sea Salt
1/4  teaspoon McCormick Crushed Red Pepper
8  bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed  (about 3 pounds)
1  tablespoon vegetable oil
1  cup thinly sliced red onion
1  can (14 1/2 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1  can (14 ounces) Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk
2  cups frozen mango chunks, unthawed

1.    Mix flour, paprika, 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin pie spice, sea salt and red pepper in shallow dish. Coat chicken evenly on both sides in flour mixture.
2.    Heat oil in nonstick 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove chicken. Drain excess fat from pan. Add red onion; cook and stir 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in tomatoes, coconut milk, mango and remaining 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice. Bring to boil. Return chicken to pan. Cover.
3.    Bake in preheated 350°F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with cooked rice, if desired.
Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition Information per Serving: 357 Calories, Fat 21g, Protein 25g, Carbohydrates 17g, Cholesterol 86mg, Sodium 447mg, Fiber 3g

Shepherd's Pie with Cumin & Smashed Chickpeas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

    1 1/2  pounds all-purpose potatoes, peeled and quartered
    1  can (15 1/2 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained  and rinsed, divided
    1/4   cup milk
    2  tablespoons butter
    1 1/2  teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Sicilian Sea  Salt, divided
    1  pound ground lamb
    1/2  pound lean ground beef
    1  cup coarsely chopped onion
    1  tablespoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Roasted  Ground Cumin
    1  teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Ground  Coriander
    1/2  teaspoon McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper
    1/4  cup whiskey or apple cider
    1  cup beef broth
    1   tablespoon cornstarch
    1   cup each frozen carrots and green beans, unthawed 

1.    Place potatoes in 2-quart saucepan. Add water to cover. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain and return to saucepan. Add 1/2 of the chickpeas, milk, butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the sea salt; coarsely mash until well blended. Set aside.
2.    Brown lamb and beef in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Drain fat. Add onion, cumin, coriander, remaining 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in whiskey. Stir broth into cornstarch until smooth. Add to skillet; stir constantly until well blended. Stir in vegetables and remaining chickpeas. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish. Spread potato mixture evenly over top.
3.    Bake in preheated 400°F oven 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and top is golden brown. If needed, place under preheated broiler to brown potato topping.
Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition Information per Serving: 316 Calories, Fat 14g, Protein 19g, Carbohydrates 25g, Cholesterol 63mg, Sodium 643mg, Fiber 4g


Courtesy of Family Features and McCormick