Probably one of the most understated spices in our kitchen cupboards, nutmeg really can add a whole new taste dimension to an array of culinary dishes and, thanks to Cole & Mason’s new and unique nutmeg mill, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up any dish and treat your senses to a culinary explosion.
Unlike anything else currently on the market, this innovative nutmeg mill allows whole, fresh nutmegs to be grinded easily without any risk to the fingers. Its powerful claw function and stainless steel blade ensures nutmeg is grinded finely, just as if its ready to use from the spice rack and the ingenious ‘lift and deliver’ feature enables four whole nutmegs to be loaded automatically and stored for convenience.
Food economist Alison Austin agrees that Nutmeg should be a staple ingredient in any kitchen, she comments: "A little bit of nutmeg goes a long way and always seems to enrich the flavours around it as well as adding its own. What I really love about it is that with one quick grate of a whole nutmeg, you release the most amazing burst of flavour and aroma."
The diversity of nutmeg allows it to be used as an easy finishing touch to a host of food and drinks, just try some of these:
Alison’s Top Nutmeg Tips
- Only use whole nutmegs and grate it freshly as you need it, ready made products lose their potency quickly
- Sprinkle a little nutmeg onto a frothy cappuccino instead of or as well as cocoa powder
- Even the best buttery mashed potato can be improved with a generous pinch of nutmeg
- Add nutmeg to cheese sauces, especially macaroni or cauliflower cheese
- No lasagne would be complete without a grate of fresh nutmeg on the final cheese layer
- Roast wedges of butternut squash in a hot oven with olive oil, garlic and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground nutmeg
If that is not enough to whet your appetite, then why not try the recipes below and put the nutmeg mill to the test. Make sure your nutmeg is not just for Christmas.
New Potato’s with Lemon & Nutmeg
Serves 4
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 500g new potatoes, washed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Finely grated zest of one unwaxed lemon
- ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Place the potatoes in a pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until just tender.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the olive oil, lemon zest and nutmeg, set aside. When the potatoes are cooked, drain and then return to the pan. Add the olive oil dressing to the potatoes and toss well to coat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve.
This is lovely served with fish and also with roast or grilled chicken.
For something to satisfy the sweet tooth try these mouth watering muffins.
Banana, date and nutmeg muffins
Makes 12
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 150ml sunflower oil
- 2 eggs
- 250g plain flour
- ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 75g golden caster sugar
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100g soft pitted dates, roughly chopped
Line a twelve hole, or 2 six hole muffin tins with paper cases. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/Gas Mark 6.
Mash the bananas and set aside. Lightly beat the eggs and add to the oil. Sift the flour into a large bowl then add the nutmeg, sugar, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder and combine.
Add the mashed bananas, egg and oil mixture to the flour with the dates and mix to combine. Spoon into the prepared tins and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for two days.
A stylish and practical addition to any kitchen, whether it is ready to use by the hob, or at hand on the table to add the perfect finishing touch to a culinary creation, the new Cole & Mason nutmeg mill is available from John Lewis and leading independent cook shops nationwide with a RRP of £17.
Sara Bailey
Publicasity
Russell Chambers
The Piazza, Covent Garden
London WC2EE 8AA
Tel: 020 7632 2400
Fax: 020 7240 2520
Email: sbailey@publicasity.co.uk
15/09/2009