what you should know 

A dead ringer for the pecan, the warm spice we know as nutmegis actually the seed of a far-flung evergreen tree.

Native to southern Asia and the South Pacific, nutmeg wascarried by colonial powers all over the globe. Today, its woodsy aroma plays a role in dishes as varied as jerk andcurry. 

be whole The problem: ground nutmeg quickly loses its flavor and aroma. The solution: buy nutmeg whole and freshly grate it as you need it. (Use every bit, as the interior of the nutmeg tends to be the most intense part.) 

keep it tight Stored in an airtight container, whole nutmeg can last a year or longer.

on background Like cinnamon, nutmeg is too often confined to sweet dishes. Used judiciously, nutmeg gives a background lift to savory dishes as well. 

what you need

If you get your nutmeg whole, you'll have a good excuse to buy anotherMicroplane grater. Or, if you want to diversify, check out Norpro's dedicated nutmeg grater.

Be sure to store whole nutmeg in an airtight container. 

Nutmeg often finds its way into cheese sauces. On that rare occasion when we break out the fondue set, we like to spike the pot with a little nutmeg. 

All out of nutmeg? Mace is the best substitute. In a pinch, cinnamon, allspice or garam masala can add the same kind of warm, wintry spice as nutmeg. 

what you do

Nutmeg gives some zip to this dense and fruity whole grain breakfast bread.

Béchamel, or basic white sauce, is one of the cornerstones of good cooking. The little bit of nutmeg heightens the rich, dairy flavor of the sauce.

Once you've made a batch of white sauce, use it in acauliflower gratin, classic potato gratin dauphinois or in that steakhouse staple,creamed spinach.

Got leftover cabbage from last week's experiments with sauerkraut? Use up the rest in this Sicilian cabbage with raisins and pine nuts.

Nutmeg is a key component of jerk, a centuries old Caribbean seasoning. Get in some winter grilling with this recipe for jerk chicken.

Featured recipe: Trade up from the traditional vanilla and cinnamon and make these bourbon nutmeg snickerdoodles instead.