All About Holiday Spices

Allspice grows primarily in Jamaica, where it is simply called "pepper" and featured prominently in jerk seasoning paste. As the name suggests, its flavor and aroma are a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg with a touch of clove. In addition to adding deep, warm flavor to savory dishes, use ground allspice in gingerbread and other cakes and cookies. Buy whole rather than ground. Whole allspice stores almost indefinitely in an airtight jar and will grind in a peppermill. Cooking brings out its sunny flavor, like in our bright pound cake.

Recipe: Caribbean Pork and Plantain Hash