• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, December 8, 2008

Maybe it's the tough economy or a growing awareness of international cultures. But the latest list of flavor pairings from the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2009 shows that there's a decidedly quirky blend of comforting and exotic flavors cooking in America's most innovative kitchens.

Its predictions combine familiar flavors--like dill or root beer--with globe-trotting attention getters, such as Japanese sake or Chinese five-spice. "Whether it's a mix of culturally diverse tastes--like smoked paprika and agave nectar--or a discovery of pure ingredients--like mint and quinoa--this year, we see excitement in the blending of the new and the familiar," the Baltimore, Md.-based importer says in its prediction.

And while most of these have no shot at kicking the perennial best seller, black pepper, out of its No. 1 spot, the top 10 flavor pairings for the year are likely to pop up on menus around the country:

--Toasted Sesame and Root Beer: "An iconic soda is rediscovered for its versatility as a cooking ingredient, paired with the bold nuttiness of toasted sesame seed."

--Cayenne and Tart Cherry: "The flavors of two superfoods--the heat of cayenne and sweet-sour tang of tart cherry--pack a multi-layered punch."

--Tarragon and Beetroot: "The hip pair creates a sensory feast that is anything other than predictable or restrained."

--Peppercorn Melange and Sake: "Japan's notable rice wine finds a new partner in the quintessentially French unison of multicolored peppercorns."

--Chinese Five Spice and Artisan-cured Pork: "Hand crafted artistry merges with a harmonious Asian blend to create an innovative taste sensation."

--Dill and Avocado Oil: "Mild avocado oil finds an elegant partner in clean, minty dill--reflecting the healthy goodness that comes from pure, natural ingredients."

--Rosemary and Fruit Preserves: "Fresh-picked fruit flavors fuse with aromatic rosemary for a progressive interpretation of sweet and savory."

--Garam Masala and Pepitas: "A beautifully matched global combination of an intoxicating spice blend from India and a prized seed popular in Latin America." (Mintel has also nominated Masala on its 2009 flavor list.)

--Mint and Quinoa: "Nutritious, whole-grain quinoa is taken to new heights when paired with the exhilarating, cool taste of mint."

--Smoked Paprika and Agave Nectar: "Smoky sweetness from the purity of nature celebrates a union of Spanish and Mexican ingredients."