MISSION, KS -- (Marketwire) -- 01/03/13 -- (Family Features) In an effort to take a break from the "always on" mindset everyday life requires, more and more people are looking for momentary escapes. This includes truly savoring the foods they eat. According to the McCormick® Flavor Forecast 2013 food trend report, people are diving headfirst into foods that offer those quick, flavorful escapes -- no apologies necessary.

It's time to stake your claim to the tastes you crave and the satisfaction you deserve. For example, the right flavors can offer an instant tropical getaway, like the combination of black rum, charred orange and allspice -- enjoyed beyond the typical confines of an island-inspired drink or dessert.

"Decadent bitter chocolate, passion fruit and basil can transform a favorite like baby back ribs -- usually thought of as a grilling season favorite -- to an easy, indulgent wintertime escape," says McCormick Executive Chef Mark Garcia. "In our easy recipe for Cocoa Rubbed Ribs with Passion Fruit BBQ Sauce, cocoa powder adds richness and depth to a flavorful spice rub, while a passion fruit sauce is the perfect finishing touch to create an edible escape."

For more delicious recipes and flavor trends, visit www.flavorforecast.com.

Cocoa Rubbed Ribs with Passion Fruit BBQ Sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Makes 8 servings

3         tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
3         tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2         teaspoons McCormick Chili Powder
1 1/2     teaspoons McCormick Basil Leaves
1         teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder
1         teaspoon McCormick Onion Powder
1         teaspoon salt
1/4       teaspoon McCormick Crushed Red Pepper
2         racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds), white membrane removed
1         cup passion fruit nectar
3/4       cup barbecue sauce
2         tablespoons passion fruit liqueur

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, chili powder, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and red pepper in small bowl. Rub spice rub evenly on ribs. Wrap each rack tightly in foil. Place on roasting pan.

Bake 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until ribs are very tender.

Meanwhile, mix passion fruit nectar, barbecue sauce and passion fruit liqueur in small saucepan on medium heat. Simmer 30 minutes or until sauce is reduced by half.

Remove foil from ribs. Place ribs on grill over medium heat. Grill 5 minutes per side or until ribs are evenly browned, brushing occasionally with barbecue sauce.

Test Kitchen Tips:

• To broil ribs instead of grilling, place unwrapped ribs on baking sheet. Broil 5 minutes per side or until browned.
• Passion fruit nectar can be found in ethnic markets or the ethic aisle of some supermarkets. Passion fruit liqueur can be purchased in liquor stores.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: 363 Calories, Fat 21g, Protein 23g, Carbohydrates 20g, Cholesterol 81mg, Sodium 577mg, Fiber 1g

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