CINNAMON-SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

By Lori Alejandro 

The trees are mostly bare and the few remaining leaves are clinging to wind-blown branches or dancing and swirling down neighborhood streets. Winter is on our doorsteps as we prepare to hunker down for the cold weather months here in Southwest Ohio. Comforting foods and fragrances bring warmth to our hearts and homes. Candles cast scents of mulled cider, spiced orange, and gingerbread cookies. We tend to be craving heavier and heartier meals, and even non-bakers are trying their hand at traditional favorites like apple pie, snickerdoodles or carrot cake in anticipation of time spent with family and friends.  

COMMON THREAD
The shared theme here is cinnamon. In addition to its enchanting fragrance, cinnamon brings a warmth and fullness to popular recipes and it seems to be an essential ingredient in so many of the foods we enjoy this time of year. Although cinnamon is more common in sweet treats, it is also used in savory dishes like Cincinnati Chili or Cuban Picadillo. Cinnamon makes our taste buds and our hearts happy!

JUST THE FACTS
Research has indicated that the last statement is fact. Cinnamon, specifically the Ceylon variety, is considered a Super Food and maybe a superhero for our health! Cinnamon is loaded with medicinal properties that have protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Evidence also shows that it could lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and is full of antioxidants that destroy free-radicals in the body. Studies are ongoing as to the many health benefits of this spice that brings a special “something” to so many of our favorite recipes. We should be grateful that cinnamon tastes so good and is also good for us!

INDULGE ME
An easy way to start your day off right and enjoy a touch of cinnamon is with a healthy breakfast. What could be better than the aroma of apples and cinnamon gently coaxing you awake? Enjoy this easy slow cooker recipe that bakes through the night and envelopes your senses in the morning. Sweet dreams.

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
1 cup STEEL CUT oats (not instant or old-fashioned)        2 tablespoons butter
3½ cups water or almond milk                                            1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup peeled and chopped apples                                      2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ cup raisins                                                                      1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch salt (optional)

Place the steel cut oats, water or almond milk, apples, raisins, butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla and salt (optional) into a slow cooker, and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar. Cover the cooker, set to low, and allow to cook 6-7 hours (for firm oats) or 8 hours (for softer texture). 

There’s nothing better than a simple meal made with great love (and sprinkled with a little cinnamon). May you reflect on the blessings of faith, family, and friends this holiday season. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
https://www.journals.elsevier.com/nutrition-research
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon#section13