Allspice     The pea-size berry of the evergreen pimiento tree, native to the West Indies and South America, though Jamaica provides most of the world's supply (allspice is also known as Jamaica pepper ). The dried berries are dark brown and can be purchased whole or ground. The spice is so named because it tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. As with other spices, it should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months. Allspice is used in both savory and sweet cooking.

    If you've got it, but don't know what to do with it, below are some traditional dishes that the spice complements nicely.

Salads chicken; mushroom; pasta; slaws; tomato
Soups & Stews beef; chicken; consomme; fish; fruit; potato; tomato; vegetable
Fish & Poultry chicken; duck; goose; poached fish; turkey
Meats beef; corned beef; ham; lamb; rabbit; sausages; veal; venison
Vegetables beets; carrots; parsnips; peas; spinach; sweet potatoes; turnips;
winter squash
Pasta; Grains;
Dried Beans 		black beans; bulghur; couscous; polenta; rice
Cheese & Egg Dishes cottage cheese; deviled eggs; fondue; savory custards;
Sauces barbecue; chocolate; cream; meat; sweet; tomato
Desserts baked apples; chocolate; fruit; gingerbread; pumpkin; spice cakes
Miscellaneous chutneys; eggnog; hot chocolate; marinades; mulled wine; stuffings; sweet breads


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