Can anyone give me some cooking measurement help

Question

I am using a recipe that calls for 3 pieces of mace for Indian Cuisine (Chicken Biryani). I am using ground mace. I need to know what the measurement would be with measuring spoons since I'm using ground mace.... tsp., tbsp. etc.....

Answer 1

Mace is a weblike covering for a nutmeg plant.    Picture something the size of a walnut covered with weaved ribbons of caramel and you would have a close rendition of mace.    My estimate is that each piece would be about 1/4 teaspoon of ground mace.   Mace is more subtle than nutmeg, so if you're off in your measurement a bit, it won't be disastrous.  

------edit------

I would add less than I indicated above.  On the McCormick website, their picture of whole mace was much smaller than a whole covering for a nutmeg.   I would drop the total down to 1/4 teaspoon (or slightly less) for the 3 piece equiv.

http://www.mccormick.com/content.cfm?id=...

Answer 2

Mace is a rather strong flavoring, a small amount goes far, start with 1/4 tsp. or so, and taste.