7 Ways to Savor Saigon Cinnamon this Holiday Season

(Family Features) When the house is filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon, it's a sure sign the holidays have arrived. This year, give seasonal dishes a bold cinnamon flavor with Saigon cinnamon. Grown in Vietnam with a taste characteristic of red-hot candies, it's perfect for adding robust flavor to everything from chocolate desserts to sweet potatoes and spiced nuts.

1. Cinnamon Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Bake- Layers of deep-orange sweet potatoes, golden butternut squash, crunchy pecans and tender, crisp apples come alive with the flavor of Saigon cinnamon.

2. Spiced Whipped Sweet Potatoes – Up the flavor in this classic seasonal side with warm Saigon cinnamon and fiery cayenne pepper. Sweet brown sugar and rich sour cream deliciously balance out the dish.

3. Smoky Sweet Roasted Pork Tenderloin - Saigon cinnamon, paprika, garlic, cumin, oregano and brown sugar combine to make a smoky sweet rub, fitting for a festive entree at the Christmas dinner table.

4. Pomegranate, Fig and Cranberry Compote - This versatile, sweet and spiced fruit topping can accompany turkey, chicken or roasted pork at Christmas dinner or be served at a holiday party to top desserts such as pound cake, angel food cake or ice cream.

5. Browned Butter Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies - Give classic shortbread cookies a gourmet upgrade for your holiday party with rich browned butter and bold Saigon cinnamon.

6.. Chai Latte – Warm up cold winter mornings with a homemade coffee-house favorite. Simmer Saigon cinnamon, cardamom and cloves in milk, then add to black tea.

7. Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Sugar Croutons - Perfect for staying in on a snowy day or for impressing guests at a holiday dinner, this cinnamon-spiced soup gets an extra burst of warm Saigon flavor from cinnamon sugar croutons.

For more ways to savor Saigon cinnamon this holiday season, visit McCormick.com or find McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.