Nutmeg is much in demand this time of year, and we're cooking with it a lot. Emma is going to tell you all about this spice tomorrow morning, including its origins and some of the dishes it's commonly used in. I, on the other hand, am going to tell you all about this shameless unitasker of a mill that I'm yearning over. It's all France's fault.
Wanting: Peugeot Nutmeg Mill
When I was in France last week I noticed this sturdy little mill in a shop window. I was captivated; I use massive amounts of nutmeg and really don't like the powdered stuff. I usually grind it fresh in an electric spice grinder or grate it with a Microplane. This mill, though, was so industrial-looking - so determined to just one use. It was also just the right size for the palm of a hand - orb-round and gleaming.
It was about 50 euros and I didn't want to plunk my money down right then so I went away with a little yearning in my heart and not-so-casual Christmas hint to my husband.
Yes, this is a unitasker. Yes, this is made just for nutmeg, which is a spice many of us use rarely. We dole out half teaspoons a couple times of year for Christmas cookies or sweet bread.
But in other cuisines nutmeg is used with much greater regularity. A pasta dish isn't complete without a sprinkling of fresh-grated nutmeg. It goes in creamy gratins and squash dishes. This is more how I tend to use nutmeg as well; its musky flavor enhances many dishes. It's the spice equivalent of Parmesan for me - and how many of us have graters devoted just to Parmesan and other hard cheeses?
This grater wouldn't make sense for all of us, but I am quite unashamed to say that I want one. Badly.
• Buy the Peugeot nutmeg mill: Peugeot "Tidore" Nutmeg Mill, $39.99 at Broadway Panhandler.
What do you use for grating nutmeg?
Related: Good Question: Wet Grinder for Curry Paste
(Image: John Lewis)
Tags
Appliances - small, Cookware & Tools, grinder, mill, spice, nutmeg, PeugeotRelated Links
- Good Product: Krups Fast Touch Coffee/Spice Grinder
- Reader Survey: Do You Use a Kitchen Timer?
- Design Friday: Espresso Machines from Room69
- Kitchen Cleanup: Mini Robo Vacuum
- Product Review: Breville Smart Oven
Share
Comments (10)
Weekly Email
Top Posts
Top Recipes
- Recipe: Hearty & Healthy Apple Muffins
- Recipe for Warmth: Hot Apple-Ginger Toddy
- Fall Snacking Recipe: Peanut Butter Popcorn
- DIY Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Latte (Just Like Starbucks!)
- Recipe: Ginger Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Top Tours
- Before & After: Kelly Moseley's Calming Austin Kitchen
- Rachel's Busy Single Girl's Kitchen
- Karen's White and Green Urban Cottage Kitchen
- Kitchen Gallery: White, Bright, and Clean
- Michelle's Gracious Craftsman Kitchen
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Freshly ground nutmeg in my morning porridge. Always.
view EasilyAmused's profile
should freshly ground nutmeg be used in the same measurement when regular ground nutmeg is called for in a recipe?
view amt230's profile
Thank you for using the first person singular in this post. It is noticed and appreciated.
view aannaa's profile
I use my microplane which you mention. So why do you need another implement? If it is for the storage component, then get the Microplane Grate and Shake for ten bucks. Microplane does it well for me!
view den's profile
I use a microplane and hate unitaskers but....... I want this. Badly! I love everything about it. the shape,that it holds several for a storage option and that is looks so beautiful.
view luv2cook's profile
I had a nutmeg mill (not as nice as this one) and it did a terrible job. I have not looked back since I got the Microplane. Besides the fact that it works very well, I also like that I get to hold the nutmeg and see the grated striped end of it.
I use nutmeg in a lot of things. I guess mostly baked goods, which I've been making a lot of recently, but also things like macaroni and cheese and some other savory things. I'm always getting it out of the freezer.
view Joan A.'s profile
I had the same yearning last holiday season when I spied that mill at Williams-Sonoma. Alas, a desire unfulfilled. It is a real beauty but it is so true that a microplane zester does a fine job. The one way to justify purchasing that mill is that it does serve as storage.
view izzy's mama's profile
Nutmeg is great with dark, leafy greens as well.
I think the mill is pretty, but, since my microplane is my favorite kitchen tool, I'm not willing to give up any chance to use it. (Plus, like Joan A., I like the look of the grated stripes at the end.)
view annaholl's profile
I don't think there's anything wrong with a unitasker if you love it. Even better if you use it as much as you say you do.
Anyway, I must admit to just using ground nutmeg at the time. I usually add a bit more than a recipe calls for to make up for it (and because I love it). Eventually I'll get around to doing it right though.
view jamiealyse's profile
I actually have this exact mill!! It really is wonderful. You store other nutmeg in the top clear part if you have them. We use nutmeg a lot so its definitely warranted. It sits right next to the salt and pepper shaker. I've lost pieces of my finger on a microplane before (yes I am clumsy - I almost cut each of my thumbs off in the kitchen last week) so the less time with sharp things the better. I highly recommend this mill even though its expensive (and I don't think I paid $40....)
view NLtoNUtoNC's profile