Think Wider Than Cookies When Working With Nutmeg

By Vincent Platania

Nutmeg isn’t only for cookies, you know. That’s old school. This spice works for many other desserts, as well as meats and a green or two. You might already use it for that stuffing recipe… hope it’s not your secret ingredient.

Think about adding a dash of nutmeg into the mix when you’re cooking up carrots, cabbage or broccoli, cauliflower too. It’ll add a little something that might even help these foods be digested a little better for those who find them hard on the system.

Don’t forget to experiment with nutmeg when it comes to lamb and veal, even sausages, as well. The next time you’re creating a cheese sauce for something, add a dash of nutmeg.

Then there are the beverage possibilities. Coffee, as with cinnamon, can be enhanced with a little dash. Use it in the pot, in the coffee filter, or on top as a sprinkled design. A little goes a long way here.

At Christmas time, eggnog would not be the same without nutmeg. Then there is, of course, mulled wine, home-brewed beer, and fruit punch with a difference. Try blending it with pineapple and other exotic fruits. It’s good friends with the raisin too.

Many breads, nut breads and others, can handle a bit of nutmeg with ease. Check online for plenty of recipes. Also, soups can be brought back to life with a dash or two of this spice.

As with other spices, this one can lose its flavor over time, so make sure you use it or replace your stock at least once a year at least. An air tight container can help your ground spices last longer.

Freezing and refreezing them is not that useful, as the taste will diminish. You’re better off buying a quantity you can work with for a while and then replenishing as needed.

Please note that while the word nut is in its name, most people who are allergic to nuts are still able to eat foods that contain this spice. Always check, but this spice is not related. While nut allergies are quite frequent, an allergy to nutmeg seems to be rare.

Make sure to have a list of all ingredients you’ve used on hand when guests arrive. That way you can be sure to answer their questions and keep them feeling relaxed.

When you are working with nuts in your kitchen, take precautions not to double dip, and to make sure not to cross contaminate surfaces. Even if there are no allergies in sight, this will help you to ensure that the cookie you offer to your neighbor one day will not cause trouble. Allergies can be quite serious!

But getting back to those cookies, doesn’t the smell of nutmeg make you think of winter? I can’t help it. It’s one of those soft and fuzzy smells that makes me want to put on a sweater… guess I have to get moving to use it more in the summer now too.

A very versatile spice, nutmeg has a wide range of talents that cover both savory and sweet dishes.

Nutmeg is so handy for spicing up vegetables, meats, cookies, and drinks. It’s high on the list of good ones to keep in your recipes.

Article Source: http://interpret.co.za

About The Author
Author Vincent Peter Platania, Jr. writes about Nutmeg. Since 1889 Rawleigh Products markets a line of Good Health Products that possessed both strength and quality.