The holidays are the perfect time to experiment with small twists on classic recipes for that wow factor. This massaged kale salad and spiced cranberry old fashioned will be show stopped this holiday season.

From November 1st through the end of the year, our house is all cranberry all the time. From my sparkling water to most recipes, I find a way to incorporate cranberries into just about everything. I also like to add unexpected twists into more classic recipes like a kale salad or an old fashioned cocktail. 

When looking for the perfect ingredients for any of my holiday meals or parties, my first stop is always at my local Giant store. They have everything I need, including any of the McCormick® Herbs & Spices, Extracts, and Gravy & Sauces I may need for my feast.

Of course, I added a few extra spices to my cart to make a great turmeric ginger salad dressing too!

The salad has sweet potatoes and chickpeas that are tossed in the most delicious spice mixture. Many of them are ones I keep on hand at all times but I know I can always find any of the ones I may need from my local grocery store.

The salad makes the perfect side dish for every holiday meal and also makes great lighter fare for parties and potlucks too! Packed with flavor, you will be begged for the recipe by anyone who tries it.

In addition to great food, the holidays also call for delicious drink options. An old fashioned is one of my favorite winter cocktails and this one gets a little holiday twist thanks to a yummy spiced cranberry syrup. 

Making the spiced cranberry syrup is so easy and it can be used in so many different things beyond this cocktail too! Just combine cranberries with cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, orange peel and a few other ingredients to make the perfect holiday inspired simple syrup.  I always make a double batch and refrigerate the extra. 

Once the spiced cranberry syrup is cooled, mixing up the perfect holiday cocktail is simple! Be sure to garnish the drinks with cinnamon sticks for a fun touch.

If you like these holiday inspired recipes, be sure to check out these other great recipes:

• Overnight Pumpkin Pie French Toast
• Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Scotchies

If you make this massaged kale salad and/or the spiced cranberry old fashioned, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen and on Instagram and Twitter.

Yield: 8-10 servings

Massaged Kale Salad with Turmeric Ginger Dressing

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This easy and delicious salad is the perfect side dish for any holiday gathering.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
• 1 15.5. oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tsp avocado oil
• 1/4 tsp McCormick® Ground Turmeric
• 1/4 tsp McCormick® Garlic Powder
• 1/8 tsp McCormick® Ground Cayenne Pepper
• 1/4 tsp McCormick® Ground Cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup glazed pecans

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 tsp McCormick® Ground Turmeric
• 1/2 tsp McCormick® Ground Ginger
• 1/4 tsp McCormick® Ground Allspice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine turmeric, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, cumin and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Toss with 2 tsp avocado oil. and spice mix from step 2. Add to prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake sweet potatoes and chickpeas for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together olive oi, vinegar, honey, turmeric, ginger and allspice for the dressing. Set aside.
6. In a large serving bowl, add the kale and 1 Tbsp of the prepared dressing. Massage with hands until the kale starts to soften; about 2-3 minutes. Add cooled sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Add dried cranberries. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine. Top with glazed pecans.

Yield: 1 cocktail

Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

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The perfect holiday cocktail is here! Serve this spiced cranberry old fashioned this holiday season for a fun twist on a classic cocktail.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

Spiced Cranberry Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 4 McCormick® Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 tsp McCormick® Whole Allspice
• 1 tsp McCormick® Whole Cloves
• 2 Tbsp grated orange peel

Old Fashioned Cocktail

• 1 oz spiced cranberry syrup
• 2 dashes cocktail bitters
• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz club soda
• Orange peel and McCormick® Cinnamon Sticks for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves and orange peel. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain liquid into container and discard solids.
2. In glass, combine spiced cranberry syrup, cocktail bitters, and bourbon. Top off with club soda and add a few ice cubes. Garnish with orange peel and cinnamon sticks.