Sides, drinks and leftovers perfect for sharing with friends

(Family Features) Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your second family with festive, fun recipes that stray a bit away from traditional fare.

“Friendsgiving is often held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “It’s more of a potluck party than a traditional Thanksgiving – everyone is usually assigned a dish. Instead of stuffing or a green bean casserole, bring a dish that’s a little more fun, like corn pudding with a dash of smoky heat from chipotle chili pepper.”

These recipes for a caramelized Brie and a chocolatey red wine from the McCormick kitchens are also sure to please. If your party falls after the big day, put those turkey leftovers to good use with a cheesy turkey crescent ring perfect for feeding a group of friends.

Find more recipes to share with friends this season at McCormick.com.

Chipotle Corn Pudding

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

• 1/4       cup cornstarch
• 1/4       cup sugar
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Minced Onions
• 1 1/2    teaspoons McCormick Ground Mustard
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Chipotle Chili Pepper
• 4          eggs
• 1/2       cup milk
• 1/4       cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
• 2          cans (14 3/4 ounces each) creamed corn
• 1          can (15 1/4 ounces) whole- kernel corn, drained
• nonstick cooking spray

1. Heat oven to 400° F. In small bowl, mix cornstarch, sugar, onions, mustard, sea salt and chili pepper until well blended; set aside.
2. In large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Stir in milk, butter and all corn. Gently stir in cornstarch mixture until well blended. Pour into 2 1/2-quart baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Bake 1 hour, or until set, stirring halfway through cooking. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Slow Cooker Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 14

• 1          bottle (750 milliliters) red wine
• 8          cups whole milk
• 1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1          package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
• 4          McCormick Cinnamon Sticks

1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover.
2. Cook 60-70 minutes on high, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is heated through, stirring every 15 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low. Serve from slow cooker.

Pecan Pie Brie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1/2       cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
• 3          tablespoons butter, divided
• 1          cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2       cup light corn syrup
• 2          tablespoons water
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Rum Extract
• 1          wheel Brie cheese, warmed

1. In small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg until blended. Set aside.
2. In large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add pecans; toast 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low.
3. Stir remaining butter, corn syrup, water, vanilla extract, rum extract and brown sugar mixture into skillet. Cook and stir until butter is melted and mixture is heated through. Remove from heat. Mixture will thicken as it cools.
4. Spoon over warmed Brie.

Leftover Turkey Taco Crescent Ring

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10

• 1          package McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix, divided
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 1          cup finely chopped onion
• 2          cups shredded, cooked turkey
• 1          can (15 1/4 ounces) whole-kernel corn, drained
• 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and chilies, drained
• 1          garlic clove, minced
• 1          container (8 ounces) whipped cream cheese
• 2          cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2          packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Reserve 1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix in small bowl; set aside.
2. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes, or until tender. Add turkey, corn, tomatoes, garlic and remaining seasoning mix. Cook and stir 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese and 1 cup shredded cheese.
3. Unroll crescent roll dough on greased or parchment paper-lined baking pan. Separate into triangles. Arrange triangles to resemble sun with center open. Press dough where bottoms of triangles overlap. Spoon turkey mixture in ring where dough overlaps. Fold triangle points over filling, tucking into bottom layer to secure. Continue until entire ring is enclosed.
4. Bake 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. In bowl, stir remaining shredded cheese into reserved seasoning mix. Remove ring from oven. Sprinkle with cheese mixture. Bake 5 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted.
6. Serve with desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, sour cream or guacamole.

Source: McCormick

Red Wine Sangria

• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 bottle red dry table wine
• ½ cup brandy
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 whole apple, sliced
• 1 whole orange, sliced
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

1. Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Over medium high heat bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until sugar is fully dissolved. Allow to cool.
2. Add red wine, brandy, pomegranate juice, apples, oranges, and strawberries to a large pitcher.
3. Add in cooled simple syrup and stir. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for best results overnight.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Savvy

(Family Features) Romeo and Juliet. Antony and Cleopatra. Lamb and Potatoes (or Mint or Feta). The list of American lamb’s great loves goes on and on. This luscious protein entices any side or ingredient it touches.

A truly versatile meat in terms of texture and flavor, American lamb is an excellent choice for the cook who wants to spice things up, both literally and figuratively.

From a classic Rack of Lamb and rich Lamb Shank Osso Buco to Grilled Lamb and Feta Burgers, there are many reasons (and ways) to enjoy lamb. Take lamb’s versatility to the next level by pairing it with longtime loves like potatoes and pomegranates, but with little twists to give it a fresh taste.

As a delicious and nutrient-rich food, American lamb is a natural choice. There is a cut, loin or chop to tempt taste buds and spark culinary excitement for a romantic dinner for two or simply a gathering with friends. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out these six enticing couplings of American lamb and other favorite foods. For more tantalizing recipes, visit AmericanLamb.com.

1. Lamb and Pomegranates
Some say pomegranate seeds are the rubies of the orchard, so it’s only fitting that lamb is often adorned by one of nature’s precious gems. Think of pomegranate as the yin to the lamb’s yang. Its tart, clean flavor balances the richness of luxurious lamb dishes such as this Braised Lamb Shank with Pomegranates and Fennel.

2. Lamb and Rosemary
Lamb and mint have been bedfellows for centuries. However, there’s another herb that matches up well with lamb – rosemary. The fragrant woody aroma of rosemary infused into a grilled leg of lamb alongside charred lemons is what dreams (and dinners) are made of.

3. Lamb and Potatoes
A classic Irish love story with an American twist. The humble potato is drawn to the ever-mysterious cut of lamb, and the rest is history. Think American Lamb Chops and Fingerling Potatoes or Irish Stew. You’ll never go wrong with Shepherd’s Pie, and this one gets an added kick from horseradish.

4. Lamb and Pasta
Ground lamb is experiencing a renaissance in American cuisine. It’s one of those chameleon foods that can transform itself from a juicy burger to a flavorful ragu, and pasta is its ideal companion. Create your own “Lady and the Tramp” crossed with “Casablanca” moment with this Northern African-inspired riff on spaghetti and meatballs featuring Merguez Sausage prepared with American lamb.

5. Lamb and Garam Masala
There are some pairings that can create some serious heat in the kitchen. Take garam masala for example. “Garam” means hot or heating and “masala” means spice blend. Rub this popular blend, which often contains black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, fennel and more, onto a rack of lamb ribs before it hits the oven. Slather individual chops in a velvety bath like this Indian Coconut Feenugreek Sauce.

6. Lamb and Red Wine
Red wine pairs with lamb in many ways. Loin chops, roast or ribs, there isn’t a cut of lamb that doesn’t pair well with red wine. As an ingredient, red wine provides acidity to perfectly complement the lamb. The hardest part of this recipe is opening the bottle of wine.

Source: American Lamb Board

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