End holiday gatherings with a slice of decadence

Family Features

Savoring a flavorful, homemade pie is the perfect way to end any gathering during the holidays.

Although apple, pecan and pumpkin are go-to favorites this time of year, introducing holiday-inspired flavor twists is perfect for those who crave a little variety.

“You’ll love the smooth layers of rich chocolate and the crunch of pecans seasoned with cinnamon and allspice in this easy-to-make pecan pie,” said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. “I like to bring this pie as a hostess gift, too — the additional ingredients give it a unique, memorable touch.”

Make any pie holiday-worthy by topping each piece with an extra-special homemade whipped cream flavored with vanilla extract. Try other festive varieties such as candy cane, cocoa cinnamon and eggnog.

For more holiday-inspired recipes, visit www.McCormick.com, www.Facebook.com/McCormickSpice, or www.Pinterest.com/mccormickspices.

Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie

Serves: 10

1 refrigerated pie crust, (from 14.1-ounce package)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons milk

4 eggs

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

1 cup dark corn syrup

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Allspice

1/4teaspoon salt

11/2 cups pecan halves

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 9-inch deep dish pie plate with pie crust. Bake 7 minutes. Remove crust from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Meanwhile, microwave chocolate chips and milk in medium microwavable bowl on high 1 to 11/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour chocolate evenly over crust.

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Slowly pour mixture over chocolate layer. Place ring of foil around edges of crust to prevent over-browning.

Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until filling is puffed and center is still soft enough to move when shaken gently. Cool completely on wire rack.

Holiday-Flavored Whipped Toppings

For vanilla whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

For candy-cane whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

For cocoa cinnamon whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

For eggnog whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Imitation Rum Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.