We need to talk. It’s important.

I can’t have you using that Ground Nutmeg you have in your pantry. I know it’s easy. I know it’s cheap. I just can’t in good conscience let this continue.

Let’s talk about nutmeg. I have The Internets so I know everything I need to know.

Nutmeg comes from a type of evergreen tree in southeast Asia and Australasia. Now, before I continue, am I the only one that didn’t know what Australasia was? Australasia includes Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Ginuea. True. Fun fact!

So two important culinary items come from this magical evergreen type tree:  nutmeg and mace.  Nutmeg is actually the seed of the tree.  It’s slightly smaller than an egg, solid and hard, but when grated, has an interesting lace like design.  Mace is the dried, reddish covering of the arillus seed. Huh?  Yea. Pay attention, we’re still learning.  Mace has a slightly more delicate flavor than nutmeg and when baked, imparts an almost saffron like orange glow.

The beauty of nutmeg is that it’s so versatile.  It’s an integral part of a spice cake like carrot cake, or my beloved Sugar and Spice Cinnamon Rolls, but also shines when sprinkled over sauteed spinach or mixed into cheese sauces.  The key to nutmeg is to always (always! always!) go for the fresh stuff.  It’s easy.  I promise.  It’s not a pain in the ass.  All you’ll need is a jar of the nutmeg seeds (they often come in a jar with between 6 and 8 ) and a microplane.  Microplanes are just about the handiest zester/grater ever!

When a recipe calls for freshly grated nutmeg, you’re good to go.  If a recipe simply calls for 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, you might want to use a dash less.  Go for 3/4 teaspoon of the fresh stuff instead.  Fresh nutmeg is stronger, more aromatic and more forward that the pre-ground, dusty nutmeg.

Pre-ground nutmeg is a poor excuse for such a beautiful spice.  Go fresh.  It’s the only way to go.

What is going on in the world?  Is Al Gore messing with the global temperature again?  We’re sneaking into mid October and here I am in Los Angeles trying to talk myself out of using my air conditioner.  It’s as hot here as it was in July.  We’re talking 90′s people.  90′s!  That’s just not normal.

All I want to do is get the cider going, maybe curl up with some pear upside down cake or anything filled with pumpkin flavor.  What’s stopping me?  All this blasted sunshine and heat.  I know… I know… I shouldn’t let a little sunshine get in the way of my dreams.

Incidentally, just as I’m writing this, I have my neighbors glorious barbecue smells wafting through my window.  I suppose I can’t be all that grumpy about a little sunshine.

Are you having more cozy, spice friendly  weather?  Here are some of the deliciously spiced recipes I’ve played with here on Joy the Baker.  No doubt this Fall (as soon as it kicks in)  I’ll share some new goodies with you.

Now I’m going to go see if I can snatch some barbecue scraps from my neighbor…..

Gingerbread Pancakes with Homemade Pancake Syrup Yes.  More pancakes.  Don’t act like you’re the least bit surprised.

Zucchini Sweet Potato Bread This is one of my Dad’s favorite breads.  A grated raw sweet potato adds amazing moisture and flavor to this bread.  Also throw in nuts and dried fruit as you see fit.  It’s totally customizable.

Super Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies These are easily one of my favorite cookies of all time.  They fall somewhere in between cake and cookie.  Perfect.  And the combination of pumpkin and chocolate is just so dear to my heart.

Cranberry Orange Almond Oatmeal  This breakfast oatmeal is so good you might not mind dragging yourself out of bed ten minutes early to make it.  Between the oats, dried fruit and almonds, this is one delicious balanced breakfast that would keep any normal person full well into the lunch hour.  I’m a maniac though, so no matter what I eat for breakfast, by 10:30 in the morning I’m ready for second breakfast…. yes… second breakfast.

What spiced goodies are you baking up for Fall (or Spring, if you’re on the other side of the planet) ?