Alfredo Sauce Question

[jacky77]

why do Alfredo recipes ask for nutmeg? I guess I've just never really tasted nutmeg in Alfredo and if there is, I guess it's not very much. I have concocted my own Alfredo sauce and it tastes fine, but now i'm wondering if i'm missing something??? Do you think nutmeg is a necessity or adds to the Alfredo sauce in a positive way?
:)
Jacky

[Selkie]

My recipe says:

Authentic Alfredo Sauce

4 Tbs butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)
Dash of nutmeg (the secret to good Alfredo Sauce)

Melt the butter over a low heat in a pan that will be large enough to hold the pasta at the end of the cooking. Do not let it boil, just melted and warm is fine.
Slowly add the cream and stir with a spoon until it is hot but not boiling and has reduced slightly.
Now add the Parmesan cheese a little at a time and stir until it is all melted. The sauce may take quite a while to thicken, keep stirring and don't let it boil. Add seasonings according to your taste. If the Parmesan is grated too course it will not melt in well. Grate the cheese as fine as possible for best results. The sauce can take a long time to reduce.

[Andy M.]

Nutmeg is often an addition to dairy based sauces.

I use the same recipe as Selkie with a little different process.

[FrankZ]

I have never used nutmeg in mine.

Might give it a try at some point.

[kadesma]

I love nutmeg it gives Alfredo it's sprcial quality. but remember nutmeg is a
strong tasting herb and can overpower your sauce. just a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg is all you need. I hope you will give it a try the nuts come in a jar and can be grated on a rasp.
kadesma

[jacky77]

i will try it tonight. i don't have fresh nutmeg, since i hardly use it, but i will definitely try a dash/pinch.
Thanks everyone!!

[NoraC]

I am part of nutmeg's cheering section. Get a whole one and keep it handy. A quick grate over dairy dishes, into spinach, or when adding vanilla can't be detected as nutmeg, but does some magic to enhance the other flavors.

[jacky77]

i tried it and it was good! definitely a good addition! i will definitely be using it more often!

[joesfolk]

IMO it is amazing what nutmeg does for spinach. I don't get to make alfredo because dh hates it but I would definately put it in.

[jennyema]

I personally detest nutmeg in alfredo sauce, but it is a very traditional seasoning.

I get MAD if i taste it in Mac and cheese...