The Under-Appreciated Spice That Takes Peach Flavors Up A Level
By AUTUMN SWIERS
Mace is a warming, underrated sister spice to nutmeg that works surprisingly well in desserts. Its complex, aromatic profile makes for an especially great complement to peaches.
Nutmeg is a common ingredient in peach desserts, but it can overwhelm the delicate fruit. Mace is here to elevate your peaches' fruity and sweet aroma, with a lighter touch.
For best results, buy red mace "blades," the whole form of the spice. They will break up easily with a grinder or mortar and pestle, and a fresh grind ensures a more potent flavor.
Mace peach pie and mace peach cobbler are only the beginning. Try jarring some spiced peach preserves with mace, or blending the spice into a batch of homemade peach ice cream.
When grilling in the summer, sprinkle some ground mace over halved fresh peaches and toss them on the grill. Or, use a whole mace blade as a garnish for your next peach bellini.