Even the name of the evergreen tree that produces both mace and nutmeg â Myristica fragrans â tells you that this is an aromatic spice. Mace is the spicy-sweet spice from the thin, bright-red aril or lace-like covering over the nutmeg kernel. Use mace as a one-to-one substitution for nutmeg. Mace delivers a slightly sweeter, more delicate version of nutmegâs warm, spicy flavor. Lighter colored mace is preferable for cream sauces, Swedish meatballs, potatoes, root vegetables, fish, chicken and...