Spring into some inspired flavor

Family Features

Do your spring recipes need a little inspiration? To liven up seasonal gatherings, look to simple dishes with flavorful variations that will surprise the palate for everyone’s favorite course — dessert.

“I like to choose an easy dessert with creative twists that can carry me through the season,” says Mary Beth Harrington, a McCormick Kitchens flavor and baking expert, “That way, when it’s time to celebrate — whether I’m playing host to a large party or bringing a dessert to a spring gathering — I never have to wonder what I’m making, and I never serve the same dish twice.”

Lemon Cheesecake Bars are Mary Beth’s sweet inspiration for the season. A classic spring flavor, lemon adds a unique twist to simple cheesecake bars, making them a refreshing hit for all ages. For a new take, substitute the lemon extract with other seasonal tastes, like fragrant orange or fruity raspberry extracts. And, for a special garnish, top the cheesecake with a fresh berry topping, which can be personalized with your favorite blend of berries and a touch of vanilla extract.

You can find more flavorful twists on go-to recipes on www.McCormick.com. While you’re there, take a peek at the “My Look Book” feature. These digital scrapbooks are a hub for spring inspiration, featuring a collage of dazzling images and mouth-watering recipes.

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Makes 24 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Refrigerate Time: 4 hours

11/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Ginger

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons flour

11/2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Lemon Extract

1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

3 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter and ginger. Press firmly onto bottom of foil-lined 13-x-9-inch baking pan. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add milk, flour and extracts; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each addition, just until blended. Pour over crust.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool completely on wire rack.

Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Lift out of pan onto cutting board. Cut into bars. Garnish as desired. Store leftover bars in refrigerator.

Flavor Variations: Prepare as directed. Use 11/2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Orange Extract or 2 teaspoons McCormick Raspberry Extract in place of the Lemon Extract.

Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories 198, Fat 14 grams, Carbohydrates 15 grams, Cholesterol 63 milligrams, Sodium 159 milligrams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 3 grams.