McCormick Reveals Changing Tastes Of American Homemade

Meals reflect an evolving family dynamic and more distinct flavor

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Aug 26, 2014, 10:09 ET

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's families are more diverse than ever – and so is what they're eating together. Sunday's roast could be replaced with a tamale casserole, or spaghetti night might be tortellini with shrimp. While the flavors and dishes are evolving, one thing hasn't changed – families are still sitting down together for a home-cooked meal most days of the week.

Half of adults with kids under 18 have family dinners at home at least six nights a week,¹and more than 75 percent of meals eaten at home are considered homemade.²Add the fact that spice, herb and seasoning purchases have increased 20 percent in the last five years³– and the statistics illustrate that people aren't just eating at home together; they're enjoying meals with lots of flavor.

Because it's clear that homemade still matters, McCormick is collecting and sharing mealtime stories, tips and recipes – like Block Party Beans, Zucchini Pancakes, or the secret to your perfect stew – from Americans who are cooking a meal with flavor and family at its heart. After all, a homemade meal has the power to bring loved ones together and bond families through generations.

Some of the influences driving mealtime exploration and changing the taste of today's American homemade include:

Modern Lifestyles – Today's modern lifestyle often means both parents are working, leaving less time for cooking. While a majority of Americans are spending 30 minutes or less on weeknight meal prep, they don't want to sacrifice flavor.⁴

These recipes aren't just great-tasting – they're easy to prepare:

Grilled Asian Orange Ginger Chicken – This versatile Asian marinade is great on chicken as well as flank steak or pork chops. A 5-minute marinating technique gives meat maximum flavor before tossing on the grill.
Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Salad – Tossed with a sweet 'n smoky vinaigrette, this entree salad is a great balance of meat, veggies and beans.
Shrimp Scampi Tortellini – You'll love this easy-to-prepare cheese tortellini made with shrimp and tomatoes in a simple scampi sauce.

Globally Infused – The number of Americans who report to be of multiple races grew 32 percent between 2000 and 2010.⁵This increased ethnic diversity in the U.S. is changing America's taste preferences and has resulted in a blend of cuisines at the dinner table. Today, cuisine-specific or ethnic foods account for 44 percent of all U.S. flavor occasions.⁶

Explore new flavors with these recipes:

Beef and Broccoli Pizza – This mash-up combines two take-out favorites in one delicious homemade dish.
Greek Turkey Burgers with Spiced Yogurt Sauce – Enjoy bold Greek flavor in these easy and healthful turkey burgers with Mediterranean spices and feta cheese. Use the yogurt topping for grilled fish, too.
Chicken Tostadas – Get south-of-the-border flavor in about 20 minutes. Place the chicken, beans and an assortment of toppings in bowls so your family can assemble their own tostadas.

What's your homemade story? McCormick wants to share the dish your family loves and why they love it. Visit Americanhomemade.mccormick.com to submit your story, tip or recipe.

Find more dinnertime inspiration at www.McCormick.com, www.Facebook.com/McCormickSpice and www.Pinterest.com/McCormickSpice.

To download food photography, visit the digital press room at www.mccormick.com/FoodMedia.

About McCormick
McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor with more than $4 billion in annual sales. McCormick manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry – retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses – in more than 125 countries and territories. Since Willoughby M. McCormick founded the company selling root beer extract in 1889, McCormick has demonstrated a strong commitment to the communities in which it operates and the planet as a whole. Innovation in flavor and a clear focus on employee engagement and product quality has allowed McCormick to grow its business globally and become the flavor leader it is today. Visit mccormick.com, mccormickcorporation.com and Facebook.com/McCormickSpice for more information.

¹ Gallup. (Dec. 5-8, 2013). Most U.S. Families Still Routinely Dine Together at Home.
²The Alcott Group: McCormick Consumer Segmentation; April 2012.
³IRI Grocery Sales Data ending December 2013, Total Spice Category.
⁴The Alcott Group: McCormick Consumer Segmentation; April 2012.
⁵United States Census Bureau. (2010) https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/race/cb12-182.html.
⁶HRCP Market Map; July 2012