Whole cloves are essential for enhancing hams, stocks, hot cider, and punch, delivering a strong, aromatic flavor?use sparingly. Ground cloves are ideal for baked goods, adding a warm, spicy note. Cloves also enhance beef dishes; try adding a whole clove to stew or a pinch of ground cloves to gravy. While often used in baking, their preserving qualities make cloves popular for pickling and barbecuing as well.