Allspice is the berry of an evergreen pimento tree native to the West Indies and South America; however Jamaica provides most of the world's supply. The dark brown, dried berries can be purchased whole or ground. The spice is so named because it tastes like a combination of cinnamon,nutmeg, and cloves. Like other spices, it should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.

Paulette Mitchell, a culinary instructor, television personality, spokesperson, freelance food writer, and the award-winning author of 13 cookbooks, is known internationally for her quick-to-prepare recipes with gourmet flair. Paulette's most recently published cookbook is "The Complete 15-Minute Gourmet: Creative Cuisine Made Fast and Fresh." She is also the author of "A Beautiful Bowl of Soup" and "The Spirited Vegetarian," which was voted "Best Book in the World on Cooking with Wine" at the 2005 Gourmand World Media Awards. Paulette says that international travel is her favorite source of culinary inspiration.