By Farhan Akhtar
Cinnamon is probably one of our favorite spices that may exist! It is just wondrous- not only in its taste but also how it actually compliments and adds to the other flavors of different creations too. Let me just come out and say how pantry staple cinnamon is a superstar. Particularly over the winter when you’re craving a warm, spicy escape from whatever that week’s weather brings. You may already mix cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle it on toast, or put it in a cheesecloth bag along with orange peel, cloves and star anise for some homemade mulled wine to warm up on a cold night, but we both know it sits in your spice rack the majority of the time.The choices are so many and the options are totally endless for you!
The cinnamon most-often found in the grocery store is cassia, which usually comes from China and is the best cinnamon variety to use in baking due to its potent aroma (when ground, it has the classic cinnamon aroma, and as a whole stick is so tough that it normally requires a knife to break). Ceylon cinnamon, often referred to as true cinnamon, comes from Sri Lanka and is more subtle and citrusy than other varieties. It’s also thought to have many health benefits, like helping to stabilize blood sugar in diabetics.
Did you know spices really don’t go bad and expiration dates are just a guideline. Spices lose their flavor over time, but generally stay good for a year or two when kept in a cool, dark place. The best way to tell if your cinnamon is still good is to take a sniff or dip your finger in and taste it. If it doesn’t taste as strong as you remember, it’s probably time for a new jar. So now that you know when your cinnamon needs to get an upgrade, how about we look at ways in which you can actually add it into your diet in new and mystical ways!
YOUR MAJOR DELECTABLE IDEAS
A sprinkle of cinnamon brings a layer of flavor and warmth to an Italian classic. There is no denying the fact how it actually adds so much fervor and depth to your favorite drink. So make those cappuccinos all the more special with a hint of cinnamon in it.You can also add cinnamon to your cocoa and it may seem like a slight change in a regular hot cocoa recipe, but trust me, it packs a flavour punch. It takes longer to make than your instant hot chocolate mix, but as one of my favourite childhood movies taught me “good things take time.” So revamp your hot cocoa and give this recipe a try.
Homemade doughnuts are way easier than you would have expected. Start Cinnamon-Spiced Doughnuts the night (or at least a few hours) before you want to eat them, so they have time to proof and get all fluffy. There are so many options and recipes on the net which will allow you to create an incredibly delicious batch whose aroma itself is enough to make you go crazy.
Orange veggies and cinnamon are a match made in heaven, like Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon and Roasted Squash with Brown Butter and Cinnamon. These are crazy and interesting . However they are definitely going to be getting some major work done for you. Allow yourself to enjoy some great flavors and this is one way of having it done right.
Have you ever heard of cinnamon honey sweet potatoes? Not only are these delicious, but they are also extremely healthy. Sweet potatoes are packed with tons of different vitamins and nutrients such as Magnesium, Potassium, Fibre and Vitamin A. They are a less-starchy, healthier alternative to regular potatoes. Don’t feel like roasting them with cinnamon? Try sweet potato breakfast bowl as a major breakfast option.
We also love how apple cinnamon breakfast muffins work. These muffins are packed with chunks of apples and coated with cinnamon sugar. They are almost as good as your grandmother’s apple pie, but not quite. Did you know that Golden Delicious apples, Granny Smith apples, and McIntosh apples are most commonly used for baking, while Honeycrisp apples and Gala apples are best for eating fresh? Yep, that is one major piece of advice that will serve you well.
And for those who are looking at cracking things up a notch, how about indulging in some apple pie pancakes. It doesn’t matter if you’re team pancakes or team waffles because I can guarantee you this stack won’t let you down. These cakes are packed with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. All the spices essential to autumn cooking.
Finally, how about this Eid, breaking an edge to your cooking skills by creating a beautiful recipe of cinnamon bread pudding. Ever wonder what to do with that loaf of bread you never got around to finishing before it went stale? Well, here you have it: Cinnamon Bread Pudding. Try customizing this recipe by adding chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, or even pecans. It just all depends on how much of a taste edge you can bring onto your recipes.
