Once considered to be a status symbol for fashionable Europeans in the Middle Ages. It has a clove-like, spicy, sweet yet slightly bitter taste that complements chocolate, fruits, custards and coconut milk. Use it in mashed potatoes, rice dishes, pastas, soups, rice puddings, pies, eggnog, biscuits and milk-based drinks. Also used in cheese fondues. Enhances savory products such as vegetable stews, tomato sauce and processed meats. Provides an intense, sweet and spicy aroma to pastries, cakes, sweet rolls, banana bread, pumpkin and apple pies, ice cream, and chocolate and lemon desserts.