End Holiday Gatherings With a Slice of Decadence

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Nov 14, 2013) - (Family Features) Savoring a flavorful, homemade pie is the perfect way to end any gathering during the holidays. While apple, pecan and pumpkin are go-to favorites this time of year, introducing holiday-inspired flavor twists is perfect for those who crave a little variety.

"You'll love the smooth layers of rich chocolate and the crunch of pecans seasoned with cinnamon and allspice in this easy-to-make pecan pie," said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. "I like to bring this pie as a hostess gift, too -- the additional ingredients give it a unique, memorable touch."

Make any pie holiday-worthy by topping each piece with an extra-special homemade whipped cream flavored with Vanilla Extract. Try other festive varieties like candy cane, cocoa cinnamon and eggnog.

For more holiday-inspired recipes, visit www.McCormick.com, www.Facebook.com/McCormickSpice, or www.Pinterest.com/mccormickspices. 

1. 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.

2. Meanwhile, microwave chocolate chips and milk in medium microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour chocolate evenly over crust.

3. 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.

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

Holiday-Flavored Whipped Toppings

For Vanilla Whipped Cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

For Candy Cane Whipped Cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

For Cocoa Cinnamon Whipped Cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder,1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

For Eggnog Whipped Cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract, 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Imitation Rum Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

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