Odd Couples

There are some food pairings that are classic: thyme and lemon, chocolate and coffee, garlic and olive oil, tomato and basil, and the list goes on and on and on. These pairings bring out the best in each other. They have complimentary flavors and they just seem to work.

Sometimes, though, trying an unusual food combination can be exciting. Pairing foods that don't seem to work together on paper can yield tasty results. These "odd couples" may not have universal appeal, but to the fan, there's nothing better.

Black Pepper Ice Cream

The whole reason I'm thinking about this is because the other night the whole family went out to dinner for my mom's birthday. There, I ordered a crazy sounding dessert: Black Pepper Ice Cream. I love black pepper. It's one of my favorite flavors, and the ice cream did not disappoint. It had that yummy floral, peppery taste combined with a caramel-y, creamy ice cream base. My husband and father both liked it too. The rest of the family gave it a thumbs down. Oh well...to each his own.

Here are some other odd combos that I like:

• Peanut butter and bacon. I remember eating PB&B on fluffy white bread as a kid--well before the current (though probably dying out) bacon fad. I still look forward to the combination of crispy, salty bacon with creamy peanut butter.
• Pizza crust dipped in coke. I know this sounds gross--or like something a little kid would eat--but dipping the crust of my pizza into a fizzy, sugary coke is super yummy!
• Pretzels and grapes. This one is a perfect combo of sweet and salty: take a chilled grape, plop it on top of a small pretzel, and viola! A yummy snack!
• Mustard and onion rings. I like the vinegar-y tang the mustard gives to the greasy, salty and slightly sweet o-rings!
  

Now here are a few more interesting combos:

• French fries dipped in chocolate milkshakes. This is something my husband likes. Again, a good mixture of salt and sweet.
• Ice Cream and popcorn. Also a fave of the Mister. Here's a throwback: Donna (Tori Spelling's character) ate this on Beverly Hills, 90210 way back when.
• Cream cheese and hot dogs. This is a "thing" in Seattle. I don't find it very appealing, but I've never tried it, so I guess I can't judge.

What are your favorite weird food pairings? Leave a comment!