McCormick Grill Mates Cinnamon Chipolte, Seafood Rubs and Baja Citrus Marinade

New McCormick Grill Mates Seasonings

HUNT VALLEY, MD (May 2007) – Professional grill jockeys are the first to say it: Great rubs and marinades are the secret to terrific barbecue. Now, to add even greater sizzle to summer grilling, McCormick, the flavor expert, is adding three new selections to its expanding family of Grill Mates® seasonings. These two new rubs and a marinade infuse meats and seafood with flavor so spirited they will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Two sassy new Grill Mates rubs create a char-grilled crust that helps lock in juices to keep meats and seafood tender and moist.

• Grill Mates Cinnamon Chipotle Rub – This rub is a blend of sweet cinnamon, smoky chipotle peppers, garlic, and onion brings bold, smoky savor to steak, pork and chicken.
• Grill Mates Seafood Rub – Seafood Rub is a zesty medley of cedar smoke, garlic, rosemary, lemon, and black pepper that takes the guesswork out of seasoning grilled fish and seafood.

New Grill Mates Baja Citrus Marinade
There’s no advance planning required for fully marinated flavor with new Grill Mates Baja Citrus Marinade. It goes from kitchen to grill in 15 minutes flat. A tangy Mexican-style blend of citrus, garlic, chile pepper, and cilantro, this marinade is surprisingly versatile, adding just the right touch to fish, seafood or chicken.

The suggested retail price for the Grill Mates Cinnamon Chipolte and Seafood rubs, which are available in the spice aisle of grocery stores, is $2.79 USD. The Grill Mates Baja Citrus marinade, available in the seasoning mix aisle, has a suggested retail price of $0.99 USD. Grill Mates products are available nationwide in the US.

McCormick and Grill Mates are registered trademarks of McCormick and Company, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

McCormick Chai Spice Blend and McCormick Sesame Ginger Spice Blend

McCormick Introduces Two New Gourmet Collection Spice Blends

HUNT VALLEY, MD – (May 2007) – With so many intriguing cuisines sparking today’s dining scene, it’s no surprise that consumers want to explore on-trend flavors at home. That’s why McCormick, the flavor expert, is introducing two unique Gourmet Collection blends. McCormick’s Chai Spice Blend and Far East Sesame Ginger Blend bring big flavor to the home kitchen in unique combinations of sweet, piquant and aromatic spices.

• Chai Spice Blend – Traditionally used to flavor tea, this blend combines cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper for a sweet, soothing taste, with just a touch of heat. Professional chefs love Chai for its ability to add warmth, comfort and a hint of the exotic to everything from bread pudding, chocolate, cheesecake and cookies to rubs for grilled meats.
• Far East Sesame Ginger Blend – Uniting the sweet and hot flavors of the Far East, this blend of ginger, black and white sesame seeds, garlic, red pepper, orange, and coconut is a vibrant addition to most any Asian dish, including stir-fries, noodle bowls, chicken, and fish. With so many enticing flavors in one bottle, a delicious Asian-inspired dinner has never been easier to prepare.

These new spice blends join the McCormick Gourmet Collection of more than 130 premium spices, herbs, and seasonings. The suggested retail price for the blends is $4.28 USD. Look for these gourmet spices in the spice aisle of grocery stores nationwide. For more information, visit at www.mccormickgourmet.com or call 1-800-MEAL-TIP (1-800-632-5847).

McCormick is a registered trademark of McCormick and Company, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

McCormick Black Food Color

McCormick Black Food Color Makes a Statement

HUNT VALLEY, MD (May 2007) – Anyone who has tried to make the perfect black by blending various food colorings knows that it’s nearly impossible to get the right shade. Until now!

McCormick is introducing Black Food Color. The number one requested color, black is unbeatable for creating original and festive treats. Whether it’s a spooky black cat cake for Halloween or soccer ball cookies to celebrate the team’s victory, black food color opens up endless possibilities for fun in the kitchen.

The suggested retail price for a 1 oz. bottle of Black Food Color is $2.80 USD. Look for this item in the spice aisle of grocery stores nationwide.

Try these great recipes to stir up some fun.

Soccer Ball Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (17 ½ oz.) sugar cookie mix
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 7 teaspoons milk
• 4 teaspoons light corn syrup
• ¼ teaspoon McCormick Black Food Color

Directions:

1. Roll out dough on floured surface until about 1/4 –inch thick. Cut into round shapes with cookie cutter. Bake and cool cookies as directed on package.
2. Mix sugar and milk in small bowl until smooth. Stir in corn syrup until icing is smooth and glossy. If icing is too thick, stir in a small additional amount of corn syrup. Divide mixture in half. Leave one half white for the background of the soccer balls. Stir Black Food Color into the remaining icing until well blended.
3. Ice cookies with white icing. Place 7 small circles of black icing on each cookie. Pull white icing through each black circle, using a toothpick. Let cookies stand until icing is set.

Black Cat Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 baked and cooled 8- or 9-inch cakes
• Canned or homemade chocolate cake frosting
• McCormick Black Food Color
• Assorted decorations for cat’s face, i.e. candy corn for eyes, nose and tongue, and licorice strings for whiskers

Directions for making Black Cat Cake:

1. Cut at marking. Remove inner circle and set aside. This will be the cat’s head.
2. Cut cat tail, ears, and feet from remaining 1-inch outer circle and arrange on body of cat.
3. Mix food color into frosting, using about ½ teaspoon per 16 ounces (about 2 cups) frosting.
4. Frost cat head and body. Frost tail, ears, and feet and attach to cat head and body with frosting.
5. Use candy to make cat’s eyes, nose, and tongue.

McCormick is a registered trademark of McCormick and Company, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

McCormick Gourmet Seasoned Sea Salts

McCormick Gourmet Collection Introduces Four New Sea Salts

HUNT VALLEY, MD (May 2007) – Professional chefs worldwide are discovering the pure, subtle flavor of natural sea salts. But why should they corner the secret to expertly flavored and finished dishes? Now, McCormick is introducing a new line of Gourmet Collection Sea Salts especially for the home chef. Available in four varieties — French Grey Sea Salt, Sicilian Sea Salt, Mediterranean Spiced Sea Salt and Asian Style Spiced Sea Salt — each has distinctive qualities to lend to a wide variety of dishes.

• French Grey Sea Salt — An all-natural, moist salt, hand-harvested in Brittany, France. Renowned for its light grey, almost purple color, it offers an elegant finishing touch to roasted or grilled meats, seafood and vegetables.
• Sicilian Sea Salt — An all-natural salt, hand-harvested off the coast of Sicily. Rich in minerals and with a lower percentage of sodium chloride than regular table salt, it has a delicate flavor, great for highlighting salads or finishing roasts and sauces.
• Asian Style Spiced Sea Salt – Natural sea salt, paired with an Asian spice blend that includes garlic, ginger, orange peel, coconut, red bell pepper, and sesame seeds. A perfect enhancement for Asian-inspired stir-fries, salads, noodles, rice and vegetables.
• Mediterranean Spiced Sea Salt – Natural sea salt infused with Mediterranean spices, including garlic, basil, oregano, lemon peel, red bell pepper, and a whisper of red pepper heat. Sprinkle on salads, pasta, fish, chicken and all types of meat.

The suggested retail price of McCormick Gourmet Sea Salts is $3.79 USD. Look for them this fall in the spice aisle of grocery stores nationwide. For more information, visit us online at www.mcccormickgourmet.com or call 1-800-MEAL-TIP (1-800-632-5847).

McCormick is a registered trademark of McCormick and Company, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

Fun Flavor Twists Turn Standbys Into Stars Of Summer Get-Togethers

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Each summer, one question is asked over and over, as we gather for backyard barbecues, picnics and family reunions – “what can I bring?” Since hosts and hostesses usually have the main course covered, the solution is simple: sides! Yet sometimes, even the biggest potato salad fanatic craves something new and different. That’s why the flavor experts at McCormick®, are offering a fresh batch of creative ideas to recharge run-of-the-mill pasta and potato salads and deviled eggs. All the recipes are easy to make and feature familiar flavors in exciting new ways. In fact, they’re so good, they may just upstage the main course, and make you the star of the season’s get-togethers.

Here are five flavorful ways to perk up summer sides. Break out the serving spoons and help yourself to some fun.

Sensational Spuds

It’s a barbecue lover’s dream! Homestyle BBQ Potato Salad, a welcome addition to the picnic basket, is full of that sweet, tangy taste usually reserved for grilled meats. For those who prefer to just wing it, Buffalo Chicken Potato Salad dresses up chicken and potatoes in a uniquely delicious way. This super side marries creamy potato salad with the mild heat of Buffalo wings – complete with the trimmings – celery and blue cheese. Leftovers can make a tasty lunch the next day.

Perfecting the Pasta Salad
It’s easy to give ordinary macaroni salad a makeover by adding some fresh flavors and changing up the shape of the pasta. Send taste buds south of the border with Mexican Pasta Salad, a combination of two favorites – seven-layer dip and macaroni salad. Greek Pasta Salad provides a taste of the Mediterranean with crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives and feta cheese. A yogurt dressing, accented with mint, oregano and black pepper, is a cool, refreshing change from standard salad fixings.

Turn Devilish into Divine
Grandma certainly would be proud of Curried Deviled Eggs, a modern interpretation of her cookout classic. A teaspoon of mild curry powder gives basic deviled eggs an unexpected flair.

With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home economists, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company, Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor. McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland, and today is the largest spice company in the world. McCormick sources only the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the highest quality flavors to consumers.

1. Homestyle BBQ Potato Salad

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• 3 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Ground Mustard
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced celery
• 1 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion

1. Bring potatoes to boil in lightly salted water in large saucepot. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well. Cool slightly.
2. Mix oil, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, black pepper and salt in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add potatoes, celery, bell pepper and onion; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe makes 12 servings of Homestyle BBQ Potato Salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: About 185 Calories, Fat 9g, Protein 3g, Carbohydrates 23g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 343mg, Fiber 3g

2. Buffalo Chicken Potato Salad

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• 2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Celery Seed
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Red Pepper
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

1. Bring potatoes to boil in lightly salted water in large saucepot. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well. Cool slightly.
2. Mix mayonnaise, cider vinegar, celery seed, garlic powder, salt and pepper in large bowl until well blended. Add potatoes, chicken and celery; toss gently to coat.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

Recipe makes 10 servings of Buffalo Chicken Potato Salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving of Buffalo Chicken Potato Salad: About 203 Calories, Fat 11g, Protein 11g, Carbohydrates 15g, Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 273mg, Fiber 2g

3. Greek Pasta Salad

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection® Mint Flakes
• 1 1/4 teaspoons McCormick® Oregano Leaves
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
• 3/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Black Pepper
• 2 large tomatoes, cut into cubes
• 1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Rinse under cold water; drain well.
2. Mix yogurt, mint, oregano, garlic powder and pepper together in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended.
3. Add macaroni and remaining ingredients; toss to coat well.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe makes 12 servings of Greek Pasta Salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving of Greek Pasta Salad: About 155 Calories, Fat 7g, Protein 5g, Carbohydrates 18g, Cholesterol 9mg, Sodium 279mg, Fiber 2g

4. Mexican Pasta Salad

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels or frozen yellow corn
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (15 ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 pint grape cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 can (4 1/2 ounces) chopped mild green chilies, drained

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add corn during last 3 minutes of cook time. Rinse under cold water; drain well.
2. Mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin and salt in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended.
3. Add pasta and remaining ingredients; toss until well coated.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe makes 10 servings of Greek Pasta Salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving of Greek Pasta Salad: About 234 Calories, Fat 10g, Protein 6g, Carbohydrates 30g, Cholesterol 4mg, Sodium 390mg, Fiber 4g

5. Curried Deviled Eggs

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Refrigerate: 1 hour

• 12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
• 2/3 cup canola mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Curry Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Mediterranean Sea Salt
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only)

1. Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks; place in small bowl. Mash yolks with fork or potato masher.
2. Stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, ground mustard, black pepper and salt until smooth and creamy.
3. Spoon or pipe yolk mixture into egg halves.
4. Sprinkle tops of eggs with green onions.
5. Carefully cover and Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve.

Makes 12 servings of Curried Deviled Eggs.

Nutritional Information Per Serving of Curried Deviled Eggs: About 163 Calories, Fat 15g, Protein 6g, Carbohydrates 1g, Cholesterol 216mg, Sodium 192mg, Fiber 0g

McCormick is a registered trademark of McCormick and Company, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

Durkee Seasoning Latin Flavors

ANKENY, IOWA – Durkee®, a leading foodservice seasonings, service and menu-idea provider, introduces a new line of authentic Latin American spices for today’s busy, quality-conscious operators. Durkee has developed five products that will enhance and complement today’s increasingly popular Mexican, Caribbean and South American cuisine ­ all for just under a penny per serving.

The Durkee Latin flavors line includes Ancho-Chile Seasoning, Ground Ancho Chile Pepper, Ground Chipotle Chile Pepper, Ancho-Citrus Seasoning, and Lime Pepper Seasoning. These Latin flavors are a culinary gold mine for kitchens, making it easy to acquire authentic Latin American spices that are already measured and blended for perfect consistency. For more ideas, recipes, and product detail, visit our information-packed website at durkee.com.

Durkee is a registered trademark of ACH Foods, Memphis, TN

Spring Thyme Salmon

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – (March, 2007) – Spring is in the air and it’s time to rejuvenate the flavors of the season with the little-explored herb that’s sprouting up in kitchens everywhere – thyme. Its flavor profile, characterized as minty and green, emulates the spirit of spring, and makes thyme an essential complement to the season’s most popular foods such as seafood, asparagus, new potatoes, mushrooms, baby greens and lemons.

Thyme is a favorite of chefs and home cooks alike, and its popularity is on the rise. Sales of thyme have increased by 24 percent over the last three years.* McCormick, the flavor expert, credits the expanding influence of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisines as one factor contributing to this significant increase. Thyme is a key ingredient in the Middle Eastern spice blend, za’atar, as well as bouquet garni, Herbes de Provence and Jamaican Jerk seasoning. Another reason for thyme’s growing importance is it’s compatibility with foods throughout the entire menu, even fresh fruit and desserts.

Flourishing best in the Mediterranean region, thyme is cultivated in Spain and France. French thyme is considered the highest quality, but limited quantities are available. The thyme plant is a small perennial in the mint family that grows about eighteen inches tall with very small leaves, about ¼-inch long. Thyme’s origin dates back to Ancient Greece where it symbolized courage. Roman soldiers bathed in water infused with thyme to gain vigor, courage and strength. In the Middle Ages, ladies embroidered a sprig of thyme on the scarves of knights for bravery.

Discover the flavor and versatility of thyme this season by creating these simple recipes. Spring Thyme Salmon is enhanced with a delicate marinade that is quick and easy to make. The salmon fillet makes a beautiful presentation served whole with its pink color, flecked with aromatic thyme.

In Chicken with Asparagus, Mushrooms and Thyme, a light cream sauce creates a refreshing herbal flavor perfect for classic spring vegetables. Taste thyme at its best with Creamy Thyme Potato Gratin. Here, layers of potatoes combine with a savory sauce, and are topped with crunchy Parmesan breadcrumbs.

For a twist on the ordinary, try Lemon Thyme Bars. This creation makes a satisfying and sweet dessert with a subtle refreshing aftertaste. The slightly minty flavor of thyme paired with ginger provides a natural highlight to this citrus dessert.

For more ideas on cooking with thyme, visit www.mccormick.com or call 1-800-MEAL-TIP (1-800-632-5847).

With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home economists, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company, Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor. McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland, and today is the largest spice company in the world. McCormick sources only the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the highest quality flavors to consumers.

Spring Thyme Salmon Recipe

This salmon fillet makes a beautiful presentation, flecked with thyme leaves, an essential complement to the season’s most popular flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

1/3 cup tangerine or orange juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon McCormick® Thyme Leaves
1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Mustard
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Black Pepper
1 pound salmon fillet

1. Mix tangerine juice, oil, thyme, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper in small bowl. Place salmon in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well.
2. Refrigerate 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove salmon from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.
3. Broil 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information per One Serving: About 202 Calories, Fat 10g, Protein 25g, Carbohydrates 3g, Cholesterol 62mg, Sodium 206mg, Fiber 0g

Chicken with Asparagus, Mushrooms and Thyme

Thyme accents a light cream sauce to create a refreshing herbal flavor perfect for classic spring vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

1 teaspoon McCormick® Season-All® Seasoned Salt

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/4 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 pound baby portabella or shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon McCormick® Thyme Leaves
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup half-and-half

1. Sprinkle Season-All Seasoned Salt on both sides of chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet; cover with foil to keep warm.
2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet. Add asparagus, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir 5 minutes.
3. Mix cornstarch and thyme in small bowl. Stir in broth and wine. Add to skillet; stirring constantly, cook 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in half-and-half. Cook until heated through. Serve over chicken.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information per One Serving: About 302 Calories, Fat 14g, Protein 36g, Carbohydrates 8g, Cholesterol 103mg, Sodium 584mg, Fiber 1g

Creamy Thyme Potato Gratin Recipe

Taste thyme at its best in this comforting dish. Layers of potatoes combine with a savory sauce, and are topped with crunchy Parmesan breadcrumbs.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes

4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon McCormick® Thyme Leaves
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Salt
1/8 teaspoon McCormick® Ground White Pepper
4 ounces (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss potatoes with melted butter, thyme, garlic salt and white pepper in large bowl.
2. Mix cream cheese and cream until well blended. Layer 1/3 of potato mixture in 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Spread 1/2 of the cream cheese mixture evenly over potatoes. Repeat layers, ending with potatoes. Mix Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs in small bowl. Sprinkle over potatoes. Cover with foil.
3. Bake 40 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 15 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information per One Serving: About 291 Calories, Fat 19g, Protein 5g,

Carbohydrates 25g, Cholesterol 61mg, Sodium 346mg, Fiber 2g

Lemon Thyme Bars Recipe

This layered bar makes a satisfying and sweet dessert. The buttery, thyme-flavored crust is a perfect foundation for a zesty lemon filling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Crust:

2 cups flour
2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Thyme Leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cut into pieces

Filling:

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons flour
3/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. For the crust, mix flour,confectioners’ sugar, thyme and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1/3 of crumb mixture (about 1 cup). Pat remaining crumb mixture evenly into greased foil-lined 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Remove from oven.
2. For the filling, mix granulated sugar, flour, ginger and baking powder inlarge bowl. Add lemon juice, eggs and lemon peel; whisk until blended. Pour lemon filling over warm baked crust. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over top.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until filling is set and golden. Cool in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar or drizzle with Lemon Glaze (recipe follows), if desired. Cut into bars to serve.

Makes 24 servings.

Lemon Glaze: Stir 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and 3 to 4 teaspoons lemon juice in small bowl until smooth. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons water if needed for desired consistency. Drizzle over top of dessert. Let stand until glaze is set before cutting into bars.

Nutritional Information per One Serving: About 172 Calories, Fat 8g, Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 23g, Cholesterol 46mg, Sodium 123mg, Fiber 0g

McCormick is a registered trademark of McCormick & Company, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

Durkee Herbes De Provence

ANKENY, IOWA – Traveling the world to source the finest ingredients for foodservice seasonings, Durkee® is proud to bring you Durkee Herbs De Provence. Durkee Herbes De Provence is a versatile assortment of herbs that are extremely popular in Southern France and the nearby Mediterranean region. The leafy mixture of basil, thyme, fennel and lavender flowers delivers superb gourmet flavor (and intriguing visual appeal) to fish, lamb, veal, chicken, roasts and chops ­ for less than a penny per serving. Durkee Herbs De Provence can inspire marinades, rubs and sauces, or simply be sprinkled onto a wide variety of upscale dishes. For more Mediterranean-style gourmet recipes, as well as other menu ideas and product detail, visit our information-packed website at durkee.com.

Durkee is a registered trademark of ACH Foods, Memphis, TN

Cumin Seasoned Pork Chops

CUMIN Field Report – SPRING 2007

McCormick’s chief spice buyer, Al Goetze, travels to exotic ports-of-call, trekking across varied terrain in search of the finest herbs and spices. In this journal entry, Al explains the versatility, history and cultivation of cumin, and invites us inside his recent trip to India, the largest grower and consumer of this incomparable spice.

What is it about cumin that makes this spice so unique? Its very distinctive flavor is described as slightly bitter and warm, with strong, earthy notes. A quick whiff of cumin and you instantly know its identity. But, did you know that cumin is among the top 10 selling spices in the U.S? That’s not so surprising if you think about how important cumin is to some of our favorite flavors, like taco seasoning, chili powder and other Mexican and Southwest-inspired dishes. Cumin is also an essential ingredient in virtually every global cuisine, particularly the more trendy foods of North Africa, India and the Middle East.

Cumin seed has an extensive history and the foods that it is used to flavor today actually traces its fascinating past. Earliest records of cumin date back more than 4,000 years to its farming in the Nile River Valley and cultivation by the Egyptians. From there the seeds were bartered through overland camel trading routes crossing Northern Africa to the west and Asia to the east. As trade expanded, cumin was carried north into Europe via Morocco and Venice. Cumin reached the New World, with the arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico. Each stop along the way, the local population became intrigued with cumin’s flavor, and found ways to incorporate the spice into their dishes.

To get a firsthand view of this season’s cumin seed crop, I travel to northwest India to the states, Gujarat and Rajasthan. I meet up with my local colleague, Sibi, in Ahmadabad and drive over four hours to get to the growing region. This part of India is flat, with fields and grasses on both sides of the road as far as the eye can see. Cumin grows in the mild winter months, as the moisture and cool temperatures are ideal. The harvest takes place from March to May. It is critical that the weather becomes dry at harvest time. Hard rains can cause seeds to fall to the ground or turn black in color, resulting in a lower quality crop. This year, the crop is looking great — the farmers have planted a very large quantity and the weather has been ideal.

Cuminum cyminum is a delicate-looking annual, with slender, branched stems. It is a small, fast growing plant seldom reaching higher than three feet. Tiny white flowers will yield cumin seeds, which range in color from pale brown to khaki. Cumin seeds are similar in appearance to caraway seeds, averaging about ¼ inch in length. It grows in temperate climates and is harvested just four months after planting. It’s amazing that such an unassuming plant produces a seed so packed with flavor and aroma.

The farmers manually harvest the seeds by pulling the whole plant out of the ground and thrashing the seeds off of the plant onto a cover. Then, they are sun-dried and hand-sifted over a screen to separate out stems and twigs.

Most seeds are taken to a small town called Unjha which has a famous open air market, where merchants sell small lots of several hundred pounds of cumin seeds, one lot at a time. Even in the spring months here, the weather can get very warm, so the market closes for two hours mid-day. We were invited to eat at a local merchant’s house. The meal was comprised of many colorful dishes, both meat and vegetarian. My favorites were the curries that had an ample amount of cumin, fresh from the market! After our bountiful meal, we had a siesta to regain our strength for the afternoon at the market and the long drive back to Ahmadabad.

Back at home, I like to combine cumin with chili pepper, oregano and garlic for a flavorful spice rub — exceptional on grilled pork.

I look forward to sharing my next journey with you, and wish you a flavorful season!

McCormick’s New Seafood Pier

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – (March 2007) – Over 60% of consumers are preparing seafood once a week or more. And, whether they’re trying to eat healthier meals or just enjoy the flavor of seafood, people crave variety, convenience and great taste. With numerous seafood choices and flavor options readily available, the possibilities are limitless – and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why McCormick®, the flavor expert, is charting a course to help retailers revitalize the seafood department. How? By simplifying the shopping experience, adding interest to the seafood section with more visual impact and appetite appeal, and introducing on-trend new products for baking, grilling and steaming. McCormick’s all-inclusive, value-added program is designed to drive sales and continue to provide the flavor and variety consumers trust.

Among the highlights of the seafood department revitalization are:

1. New products on-trend with consumer preferences. McCormick adds three sensational seafood sauces; two convenient Seafood Steamer varieties; and one savory, tangy Seafood Rub to its offerings. OLD BAY® is introducing a 30% less sodium Seasoning, a coarse blend Rub and a Seafood Steamer that’s ideal for shrimp and salmon.
2. Impactful new packaging that features color food photography to enhance appeal and usage; provides easy instructions, tips and recipes for preparing seafood; communicates superior quality; and reinforces brand identity. An eye-catching new wave on the McCormick packaging unifies the line and creates strong presence on shelf.

McCormick Charts A Course Exciting new merchandising tools, including McCormick Seafood Piers that can be strategically placed in front of the seafood counter to encourage impulse purchases, drive trial and facilitate easier shopping.

1. Recipe cards offering easy meal solutions with enticing food photography, as well as seafood facts to help consumers become more savvy.
2. Materials to educate seafood department employees about common consumer questions on seafood species and preparation.
3. The power of the three-brands, McCormick, OLD BAY and Zatarain’s, offers seafood sauces, seasonings and rubs; breadings and batters; cocktail and tartar sauces – everything consumers could possibly want to flavor seafood – with the convenience of ordering through one sales force.

With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home economists, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company, Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor. McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland and today is the largest spice company in the world. McCormick sources only the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the highest quality flavors to consumers.

McCormick is a registered trademark of McCormick & Company, Hunt Valley, MD 21031