Cinnamon Ideas

Cinnamon Ideas:  Not just the fragrance of autumn

In addition to the cooler temperatures and brilliant color display, one of the things that I associate with autumn is the fragrance of cinnamon, mostly in baked goods that are popular at that time of year. Even autumn potpourri mixes often have cinnamon sticks and cinnamon oil as part of their composition, and many of us associate the warm spicy scent with family gatherings and other happy occasions.

However, cinnamon can be used year round to enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of your meals.

In addition to using it in your apple or pumpkin pie recipe, here are some other cinnamon ideas:

-Consider sprinkling cinnamon on your oatmeal, cold cereal or yogurt. 

-For a quick and nutritious snack, combine 1/2 cup cottage cheese with a diced apple and a pinch of cinnamon.

-Add cinnamon to other recipes such as muffins, breads and pancakes. 

-Sprinkle some in your favorite smoothie, coffee or hot chocolate.

-Some people even add cinnamon to chili recipes.

Need an easy dessert?

For Baked Apples, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.; core one apple for each person, keeping the bottom of the apple intact and peeling it halfway down. Fill cavity with cinnamon sugar and a top with a small dab of butter. Bake in a covered dish for 30 minutes or until apple is just tender. Serve warm with a bit of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, vanilla yogurt or Half and Half.

More than a seasoning

It turns out that cinnamon is about more than just making your mom's apple pie taste good. Recent studies have shown that cinnamon (particularly Ceylon cinnamon*) may help regulate your blood sugar and lower your cholesterol, so these cinnamon ideas may help you feel better and live longer!  Wow! Who knew that a tasty spice could also be a "health food"!

Click on the links below for recipes using cinnamon that you may not have seen before.

Fruit and Nut Casserole

Baklava

Wassail (Hot Spiced Punch)

In case you missed it...

Click on this link for other Healthy Eating Tips.

*I use Indus Organics Ceylon Cinnamon

The best cinnamon is real cinnamon with the aroma, flavor and health benefits that go with it. Much of the "cinnamon" sold in grocery stores is a variety called cassia that is not true cinnamon. If you are looking for the best flavor and digestibility, you might want to try real Ceylon cinnamon.

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