Classic Combinations

• One of the most enticing spices is cinnamon. Its aroma makes a home smell warm and inviting, and whether it is used in a pumpkin pie or sprinkled atop roasted yams, it adds a distinct and appealing layer of flavor. To make the taste pop even more, combine it with cloves, allspice, cardamom, anise, mace and nutmeg. Use each spice in minimal amounts to start, as they all have bold, unique flavors that get lost in each other if the balance is incorrect. Chocolate and walnuts are often combined in recipes but the tastes of fruits such as apricots, peaches and pears are equally enhanced by almonds, hazelnuts and pecans.

Sweet, Salty and Spicy

• If you have ever pondered the popularity of Snickers candy bars, their appeal is simply the perfect combination of sweet and salty. This dynamic duo has become more popular in recent years with the introduction of salted caramel cookies, ice cream, beverages and cakes. Many people balked at the idea of combining bacon and chocolate -- before they tasted it. Another scrumptious combo is sweet and spicy. Baked goods flavored with chocolate and cayenne pepper taste very sweet at first bite and the subtle hotness of the cayenne sneaks up on the palate about 30 seconds later.

Savory Goes Sweet

• Coriander used to be found mainly in savory breads, rolls and stews. If you pair it with allspice, cinnamon and cloves, it gives apple pie or banana bread a fresh new taste. Rosemary, most often associated with roast lamb, pork and chicken, adds a special flavor to lemon cookies and pies as well as cranberry bread. Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to fruit pies, coconut macaroons and chocolate cake to accentuate the sweetness.

Mixing It Up

• Combining atypical ingredients in baked goods is also a good way to pump up the flavors. Instead of a peach cobbler, use a 1-to-1 mixture of fresh blackberries and peaches to create a beautiful, mouthwatering dessert. There is no rule that upside-down cake has to be made with pineapple. Substitute peaches, nectarines, or pears and add a few nuts to the bottom of the pan for a new twist on a favorite. Transform apple pie into a masterpiece by serving it on a pool of warm, sharp cheddar cheese sauce.

Experiment

• Most spice racks and cupboards include a few lonely little jars and cans of ingredients that get overlooked in daily cooking and baking. Read the labels and do a little research to learn how you can use them in dishes you never considered. The new flavor pairings might not always appeal to you but it is likely you will discover some new taste combinations that become part of your favorites list.