New seasonings make it easy

(Family Features) Exotic flavors common in the Middle Eastern region of the world like harissa, za’atar and shawarma are having a moment, appearing on restaurant menus and in popular make-at-home recipes.
 
Now is the perfect time to give these flavors a try. Thanks to new global seasonings from McCormick Gourmet, the spice combinations are already blended for the ultimate taste and simplicity.

Made from high-quality herbs and spices, the seasonings are USDA-Organic certified and Non-GMO Project verified so you can feel good about the ingredients used in your cooking. The expertly blended spices help create distinctive global-inspired dishes that take your home dining experience to the next level so you can explore these flavors from around the world without leaving the comfort of home.

• Za’atar: This traditional Middle Eastern blend of spices including thyme, oregano and sesame seeds is perfect for sprinkling on flatbreads, roasted vegetables, nuts
  or popcorn. It can also be mixed into hummus or oil
  for dipping.

• Harissa: A spicy flavor found in North African cuisine, this seasoning is made from a combination of chilies, warm spices and mint. Add it to meat and veggies before roasting, stir it into cooked rice and grains, mix it into yogurt to make a dip or combine it with roasted bell peppers and oil to turn this spice into its namesake sauce.

• Shawarma: Often associated with the slow roasting of meat, this Middle Eastern street food favorite is made with cinnamon, coriander, cardamom and more. Use this seasoning to flavor an easy marinade for chicken, pork or steak.

Look for these flavors as well as new Peruvian and Berbere seasonings in the spice section of retailers nationwide. Find more recipe ideas at McCormickGourmet.com.

Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1 1/4    cup plain Greek yogurt, divided
• 5          teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Shawarma Seasoning, divided
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
• 2          pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4          pita pockets, halved
• 1          medium seedless cucumber, thinly sliced
• 8          lettuce leaves

1. In small bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt and 1 teaspoon shawarma seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. In small bowl, mix oil, lemon juice, remaining yogurt, remaining shawarma seasoning and sea salt. Reserve 2 tablespoons of mixture; set aside.
3. Place chicken in large re-sealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 1 hour, or longer for extra flavor.
4. Heat grill or skillet to medium heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard remaining marinade. Grill or saute 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165 F, brushing with reserved marinade.
6. Slice chicken into thin strips. Serve in pitas with cucumber, lettuce and yogurt dressing.

Shaved Carrot Salad with Pomegranate Harissa Dressing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 5

• 1/4       cup chopped fresh mint
• 3          tablespoons pomegranate juice
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Harissa Seasoning
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Organic Black Pepper, coarse ground
• 3          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2       pound multicolor carrots, washed and peeled
• 1/2       cup shelled roasted pistachios
• 1/2       cup dried cranberries
• 3          cups baby arugula
• 1/4       cup crumbled feta cheese

1. In large bowl, mix mint, pomegranate juice, honey, harissa seasoning, sea salt and pepper. Gradually add oil while mixing with wire whisk until well mixed. Set aside.
2. Trim carrot ends. Slice each carrot lengthwise into ribbons with vegetable peeler or mandoline. In medium bowl, toss carrots with 1/4 cup prepared dressing. Stir in pistachios and cranberries.
3. Arrange arugula on serving platter. Drizzle with remaining dressing and top with carrot mixture. Sprinkle with feta before serving.

Za’atar Labneh

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 (2 tablespoons each)

• 1          cup labneh (yogurt cheese)
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Za’atar Seasoning, divided
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• pita bread, for serving (optional)
• pita chips, for serving (optional)
• sliced fresh vegetables, for serving (optional)

1. In small bowl, mix labneh and 1 teaspoon seasoning until well blended.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining seasoning.
3. Serve with fresh pita bread, pita chips or sliced fresh vegetables, as desired.

Source:  McCormick

America’s Top Chefs Share Their Favorite Recipes

(Family Features) Want to add taste, color and crunch to salads any time of the year? Then sprinkle on pistachios. Chefs are going nutty over them, and for good reason. California grown, these pale green nuts have a subtle, delicate flavor that is wonderful in sweet as well as savory dishes or for eating out of hand. Traditionally used in rice dishes, stuffing, ice cream and pastries, pistachios are now a key ingredient in signature salads.

Pistachio Facts & Helpful Tips

The key to including nuts in the diet without adding extra calories is portion control. Use pistachios on salads, or in main dishes, to replace meat or poultry. California pistachios have versatility, texture and great taste. They also pack a powerful nutritional punch. A 1-ounce serving — 49 pistachios — contains more than 10 percent of the Daily Value for dietary fiber, vitamin B-6, thiamin, phosphorus and copper. One serving of pistachios has as much potassium as half a large banana. Pistachios contain mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat (11 of 13 fat grams), the types of fat recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines For Americans. Pistachios also are naturally cholesterol free and trans fat free.

Other Pistachio Facts:

• A serving of pistachios has more fiber (2.9g) than 1 small tomato (1.1g) or 1 cup of raw spinach (.8g).
• A serving of pistachios provides almost 1 1/2 times the amount of thiamin as 1/2 cup serving of cooked, long grain, enriched white rice and 2 1/2 times the amount of thiamin in long grain, brown rice.
• The amount of vitamin B-6 in a 1-ounce serving of pistachios is comparable to that in a standard 3-ounce serving of roasted pork loin, 2 times that in a serving of peanut butter and 5 times that in a serving of black beans.
• Pistachios contain more phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol than any other commonly eaten nut, 61mg per serving or 279mg per 100g. Phytosterols may help lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Preliminary research suggests phytosterols also may offer protection from certain types of cancer.
• The largest USDA study of food antioxidants reveals pistachios are one of the best sources of beta-carotene of all tree nuts and peanuts. Pistachios also provide the most lutein and zeaxanthin of all tree nuts. Antioxidants are compounds in foods that may help fight cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and help maintain healthy arteries.

To Make Pistachio Oil:
Toast 1 cup pistachio kernels. When cool, finely grind in food processor. In a saucepan, warm 1 1/2 cups olive oil and ground pistachios and stir until blended. Transfer to a jar and let stand overnight at room temperature. Strain. Substitute in place of olive oil to add flavor to any recipe.

Harvest Salad with Caramelized California Pistachios and Green Apples

Chef Andrew Carmellini of A Voce Restaurant in New York celebrates the bounty of the harvest with this delicious — yet simple — salad featuring crisp green apples and caramelized California pistachios.

• 4 cups arugula, picked and washed
• 2 cups watercress, picked and washed
• 1 bulb fennel, sliced in half lengthwise then thinly sliced
• 1 cored green apple, thinly sliced
• 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 4 leaves basil, washed and coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons white raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 whole lemons, zested then juiced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup California pistachios, caramelized

1. Combine all ingredients except cheese and breadcrumbs in mixing bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Divide into 6 salad bowls; top with cheese, breadcrumbs and caramelized pistachios (see sidebar for caramelizing). Serve immediately. Serves 6.

Nutritional Analysis (Amount per Serving): Calories 250, Total Fat 16g, Saturated Fat 2.5g, Monounsaturated Fat 10g, Cholesterol less than 5mg, Sodium 610mg, Potassium 530mg, Carbohydrate 27g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Protein 6g

Goat Cheese, Beet Roots and California Pistachio Salad

Executive Chef Pascal LeSeac’h of Pastis, one of New York City’s hottest restaurants, loves serving this simple beet salad featuring California pistachios.

• 5 medium size beet roots
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup California pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 1 bunch flat parsley (1⁄4 cup chopped)
• 1 log (6 ounces) Montrachet goat cheese
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• 5 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1. Preheat oven: 375°F.
2. Clean beet roots with cold water, dry with paper towel, coat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt. Wrap beets in aluminum foil and place in oven 1 1/2 hours. Check doneness by poking with small knife. Remove and peel beets and slice 1/2-inch thick. Reserve and cool in refrigerator. While beets are cooling, toast pistachios, let cool, then chop.
3. Clean and dry parsley, then chop with large chef knife. Slice goat cheese 1/2-inch thick.
4. To Serve: Alternate slices of beets and goat cheese on salad plate. Season with salt and white pepper. Add vinegar and remaining olive oil. Garnish with pistachios and chopped parsley. Serves 2.

Nutritional Analysis (Amount per Serving): Calories 380, Total Fat 33g, Saturated Fat 9g, Monounsaturated Fat 19g, Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 310mg, Potassium 450mg, Carbohydrate 13g, Dietary Fiber 4g, Protein 11g

Spicy Pear and Endive Salad with California Pistachios

Nationally-renowned celebrity chefs and “Too Hot Tamales” Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger offer this scrumptious salad featuring California pistachios from their award-winning Border Grill and Ciudad restaurants.

• 1/2 cup California pistachios, raw and shelled
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 Comice or D’anjou pears, quartered, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
• 4 heads Belgian endive, cored and sliced lengthwise into strips
• 1/2 to 3⁄4 cup Cabrales blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, sliced
• 1/4 cup Honey Chipotle Vinaigrette (recipe follows)

1. In small frying pan, combine pistachios, salt, pepper and sugar. Sauté over low to medium heat, stirring and shaking frequently until pistachios are toasted and sugar caramelizes and coats pistachios. Transfer pistachios to non-stick or parchment-lined cookie sheet and allow to cool. In large bowl, combine pears, endive, blue cheese, jalapeños and vinaigrette.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to 4 chilled salad plates and sprinkle with pistachios. Serves 4.

Honey Chipotle Vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 dry chipotle, stemmed and seeded
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey, warm
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

1. Combine vinegar and chipotle in small saucepan and bring to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth and oil is emulsified. Adjust seasonings to taste. Makes 1 cup.

Nutritional Analysis (Amount per Serving): Calories 310, Total Fat 20g, Saturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 10g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 640mg, Potassium 500mg, Carbohydrate 30g, Dietary Fiber 6g, Protein 8g

Caramelize Pistachios

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup California pistachio kernels

1. In a medium saucepan, heat sugar with water, salt and cayenne pepper over a high flame. Cook until mixture is soft and bubbling. Add pistachios and stir 2 to 4 minutes, until caramelized (pistachios may clump together). Remove pistachios from pan and lay on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. When pistachios are completely cool, break apart and reserve.

 Source: California Pistachio Commission

Makes about 12 servings

Crust:

• 1-1/4 cups (16 ounces) roasted salted pistachios
• 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
• Leaf green icing color

Filling:

• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon imitation clear vanilla
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen whole strawberries, thawed, pureed and strained (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1 envelope (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
• No-taste red icing color
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

1. In food processor, pulse pistachios until coarsely ground. Add coconut, sugar, butter and icing color; pulse until well combined. Press into bottom and 3/4 up side of 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while making filling.
2. In large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until light and creamy. Add heavy cream and beat until combined.
3. In small saucepan, bring strawberry juice just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over top and whisk vigorously to dissolve completely, about 3 minutes. Pour into cream cheese mixture. Add icing color and beat until well combined. Beat in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips. Pour into chilled crust. Sprinkle top with remaining chocolate chips. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.

Source: Wilton

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(Family Features) Holiday entertaining is all about food, wine and quality time with family and friends. This year, try a new approach to holiday get-togethers by hosting an hors d’oeuvres party.

Skip the hassle of preparing a full meal by serving a number of small bites, dips and spreads for your guests to enjoy. Most hors d’oeuvres can be prepared ahead of time so you can spend more time with your guests instead of in the kitchen, making it easy to entertain flawlessly.
The best part is you don’t have to break the bank to host a fabulous holiday gathering. By switching from national name brands to a grocer like ALDI, party essentials and seasonal must-haves, such as holiday gifts and baking necessities, can be as much as 50 percent less. Manufactured by many of the nation’s leading food producers, these exclusive brand items often meet or exceed the quality and taste of the national name brands.

Try these hors d’oeuvre serving tips from food stylist and loyal ALDI shopper Janice Stahl:

• Rethink the regular: Surprise guests and get creative with classic recipes by changing the presentation. Square pizza bites, circular tea sandwiches or star-shaped fruit make entertaining fun.
• Keep hors d’oeuvres simple: Serve foods that are bite-sized and easy to pick up. Try skewers to create festive kabobs, which are perfect for nibbling.
• Presentation is everything: Experiment with serving pieces like vases, champagne glasses or appetizer cups that add special interest to bite-sized snacks from chips and dip to shrimp cocktail.

With these simple tips and recipes, you’ll be ready to throw a festive holiday hors d’oeuvres party that’s easy and affordable. Visit www.aldi.us for more entertaining ideas.

Cranberry Shrimp Ceviche Cups

$0.58 per serving at ALDI
Recipe courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep time: 20 minutes, plus 1 hour to chill
Cook time: 3 minutes
Yields: 16 ceviche cups

• 1 1/2 teaspoons iodized salt, divided
• 16 ounces medium raw shrimp, thawed
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 red onion, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 jalapeno, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper or ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 16 ounces tortilla chips
• 2 limes cut into wedges
• Fresh cranberries, optional

1. Bring medium pot of water to a boil. Season with 1 teaspoon salt.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 3 minutes. Immediately plunge cooked shrimp into ice water bath. Peel shrimp and place in flat dish.
3. In food processor, combine cranberries, red onion, parsley and jalapeno. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. Add cranberry mixture to shrimp.
5. Add lemon juice, lime juice, remaining salt, crushed red pepper and oregano. Stir to combine ingredients thoroughly.
6. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
7. To assemble, spoon ceviche, about 4 to 5 shrimp each, into small clear cups or glasses. Garnish with tortilla chips and lime wedges.

Pistachio Lemon Truffles

$0.43 per serving at ALDI
Recipe courtesy of Chef Michelle, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep time: 30 minutes, plus 1 hour to chill
Cook time: 30 minutes, plus 1 hour to chill
Yields: 24 truffles

• 1 1/4 cups pistachios, shelled
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4 ounces plain goat cheese
• 3/4 cup dried mixed berries, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon iodized salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped lemon zest
• Pinch ground black pepper

1. Roughly chop pistachios, place in bowl.
2. With electric mixer, cream together remaining ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Scoop tablespoon size balls of cheese mixture and roll in pistachios to coat.
4. To serve, sprinkle platter with remaining pistachios and place truffles on top. Serve with crackers.

Signature Drink

A signature drink is a must at any holiday soiree. Get creative by offering guests a specialty cocktail that matches the color scheme for the event. An avid party hostess, food stylist Janice Stahl makes the occasion special by pairing white wine with a splash of cranberry-pomegranate juice, garnished with fresh fruit or herbs. Giving your signature drink an original name to reflect your personality is an added touch your guests will love. For a lasting impression, hand out recipe cards of your signature drink as party favors.

Signature Drink

$0.58 per serving at ALDI
Recipe courtesy of ALDI Food Stylist, Janice Stahl

• Sugar for glass rim
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup cranberry- pomegranate juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh cranberries
• Fresh fruit for garnish

1. Dip rim of glass in sugar.
2. Pour wine and juice into glass, stirring to combine.
3. Drop in cranberries, along with any additional fruit desired. Serve immediately.

Ingredients

• 1 10-ounce package plain couscous
• 3 fresh mandarins, peeled and separated into segments
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced, including some green top (about 1/2 cup total), divided
• Curry Vinaigrette, divided (recipe below)
• 12 ounces frozen grilled chicken strips, heated according to package directions

Preparation

1. Prepare couscous according to package directions, remove to large bowl. Stir mandarin segments, cranberries, nuts and half green onion into couscous; add half of vinaigrette and toss well. Arrange on large serving platter; top with chicken. Drizzle evenly with remaining vinaigrette and garnish with remaining green onion. Serve immediately.
2. Curry Vinaigrette: In small bowl whisk together 1/4 cup mandarin juice or white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon honey and 1/3 cup canola or other vegetable oil.

Serves

4

SOURCE: Cuties