Nutmeg and mace
| Key facts |
|---|
Nutmeg is one of my favourite spices, one that we in this country have included in recipes throughout our history – think of a speckled brown custard tart, or the shiny nutmeg skin on a rice pudding.
It's curious how the French have ignored nutmeg, but the Italians and Spanish adore it as much as we do, using it in cheese dishes, pasta sauces and fillings, creamy béchamel and spinach. But a warning: you must never even think of buying nutmeg ready-ground, as it quickly loses all its charm. Instead always have some whole nutmeg and a grater, and grate it as and when you need it.
Mace is the outer casing of the nutmeg, resembling a thick meshed cage, which is dried and becomes brittle. It is sold in pieces (blades) and can be used in infusions, such as flavouring milk for a white sauce. Ground mace has also been included in British recipes for potted meats, shrimps and fish pâtés. It is impossible to grind it at home, so this one has to be bought ready-ground and the date carefully watched.
Serves 4Cheat’s Lasagne
Using a brilliant ready-made cheese sauce and Bolognese sauce has turned making a lasagne into an easy exercise - useful when you're tired and hungry!
Serves 2Penne with Asparagus and Four Cheeses
Sometimes, even during the early summer asparagus season, the weather is less than kind. On a day like that, this lovely vegetarian bake will go down really well.
Serves 2Pancake Cannelloni with Spinach and Three Cheeses
Lovely lacy savoury pancakes by mail order form the basis of this sumptuous vegetarian dish, a cannelloni that's packed with flavour and nutritious ingredients.
Serves 6Pumpkin Pie
Delia finds that, with a ready-made pastry case and a tin of pumpkin, she can rustle up this American classic in no time at all and come up with something that's not a million miles away from the original.
Serves 4Baked Gnocchi Bolognese
This superb, wintry Bolognese bake is made from quality bought ingredients, allowing you to put it together without any hassle for a real taste of Italy.
