Nutmeg and alfredo?

[fldhkybnva]

I know it's common to add a dash of nutmeg to Alfredo sauce and always do it since it's the way my grandmother taught me but I was just wondering is there an explanation as to how this smidge of seasoning enhances the dish?

[LJS]

It adds a bit of earthiness, somehow, doesn't it? If I had a fresh truffle to shave on top of that Alfredo, I would probably not bother, but freshly ground pepper and freshly ground nutmeg seem to "make" noodles Alfredo to me.