(Family Features) -- America loves big, bold flavors. What's more, we love choices. Traditional ingredients like salt and pepper once made up what people considered a well-stocked cupboard.

These "basic" kitchen staples aren't so basic anymore as we make room on the shelf for sea salts, Tellicherry black pepper and peppercorn medleys. In fact, our love of pepper has resulted in a remarkable 60-percent increase in pepper imports over the last 20 years alone.

"This is an exciting time for food and flavor," said Laurie Harrsen, director of consumer communications at McCormick. "Americans have a new sense of adventure when it comes to eating and are looking for creative and convenient ways to really amp up their favorite flavors."

New flavored black peppers, like smokehouse and Worcestershire varieties, make it easy to add excitement to everything from burgers and steaks to burritos. For an inspired and fun way to bring a special kick to a classic dip, try Worcestershire and Roasted Red Pepper Dip with pitas, crackers and vegetables for a great afternoon snack or appetizer.

Or serve with grilled chicken kabobs or turkey burgers.

For more ideas to spice up mealtime with flavored peppers, visit www.mccormick.com.

Worcestershire

and Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Prep time: 5 minutes

Refrigerate: 1 hour

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

2 tablespoons sliced green onion

2 teaspoons McCormick® Worcestershire Ground Black Pepper Blend

1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder

Mix all ingredients in medium bowl until well blended. Cover.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors. Serve with assorted cut-up vegetables, pita wedges, crackers or bread sticks.

Makes 1 1/3 cups or 10 (2-tablespoon) servings.

Nutrition information per one serving: Calories: 103, Sodium: 97 mg, Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Cholesterol: 12 mg, Fiber: 0 g, Protein: 0 g.

Courtesy of Family Features and Import Data, United States Department of Agriculture, 2007, McCormick & Co.