According to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2009: Holiday Edition, restaurants can expect to see favorite holiday flavors used in new ways. McCormick spotlights five definitive flavor pairings that evoke the essence of the holidays, then deconstructs classic desserts and puts them back together in playful variations.
"We're putting a spin on holiday sweets this year," said Kevan Vetter, executive chef at McCormick. "By looking at timeless holiday flavors and the latest trends, such as nostalgic desserts, regional influences and restaurant-inspired small-bite indulgences, we have transformed celebratory favorites into contemporary seasonal treats."
The top flavor pairings according to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2009: Holiday Edition include:
- ginger and molasses
- warm spices and pumpkin
- peppermint and chocolate
- vanilla and red food color
- nutmeg and rum
Though the flavors may be familiar, updated recipes are one way to re-invigorate the classic pairings. Regionally and classically inspired Americana also pays a visit to holiday tables this season.
The company offerfs these suggestions for new flavor pairings:
- Convert a traditional sugar cookie to a nutmeg spice cookie by adding ground nutmeg to the dough before baking. Top baked cookies with cream cheese frosting enhanced with a few drops of rum extract.
- Crush peppermint candies in a small bowl or food processor. Melt semi-sweet chocolate in a sauce pan, cool slightly and flavor with a few drops of peppermint extract. Dip one half of a large marshmallow into the melted mint chocolate and then in the peppermint pieces. Place on parchment to dry. Serve on a festive candy platter or float in a cup of hot cocoa.
- Transform vanilla milkshakes by adding a generous spoonful of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin pie spice to vanilla ice cream and milk.
