Festive Ways to Use Cinnamon
No other spice is as distinctive of the holiday season as cinnamon. The aromatic, sweet scent puts us cozied by the fire or Christmas tree with a good cup of tea and delicious cookies. Cinnamon is the perfect spice for holiday cooking and baking, but it offers much more.Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum Tree. This spice is loaded with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, regulates the metabolic rate of insulin, lowers blood sugar levels, and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
We've put together festive ways to use cinnamon to keep you healthy and in the Holiday spirit throughout the season.
Food
Cinnamon Honey Sweet Potatoes
Toss sweet potato wedges in honey and cinnamon, then bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. These simple, cozy side dishes are perfect for any night.
Cinnamon Pumpkin Pancakes
Eggs, pumpkin, olive oil, brown sugar, almond milk, Greek yogurt, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon mixed and cooked to a fluffy golden brown are perfect for a holiday breakfast with the family.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This family favorite features tender apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar for a delicious breakfast that's sure to become a new favorite! Bring a pot of water to a boil, along with oats, apple slices, and cinnamon. Simmer for a few minutes on low heat, top with brown sugar, and enjoy!
Cinnamon Candied Almonds
Use a pan and cook the almonds with cinnamon, sugar, and water until the water has evaporated and the sugar crystallizes and coats the almonds. Be sure to stir the almonds consistently. You'll have crunchy, sweet-roasted almonds in less than 15 minutes! These make an excellent snack for your next holiday party or a fun and simple party favor! Put the almonds in a nice container and attach a cinnamon stick ornament to the top to add a festive touch.
Drinks
Cinnamon Mulling Sticks For Apple Cider
Mix sugar with light corn syrup, cinnamon, and your desired food coloring and heat. Pour into any hard candy mold and let stand for a few minutes. Press a cinnamon stick into the mold so that they stand upright. Enjoy with a hot cup of apple cider, tea, or cocoa.
Cinnamon Latte
Everyone loves a good latte. Combine coffee with your favorite milk and toss in some cinnamon for an extra festive flavor.
Peanut Butter Cinnamon Smoothie
Enjoy breakfast on a crisp fall morning. Blend peanut butter, cinnamon, ice, and desired milk until smooth. Throw in some protein powder for an extra boost.
Decor and Crafts
Cinnamon Stick Candle Holder
Get your favorite fall or Christmas-scented candles and hot glue cinnamon sticks around the candle for a unique, pretty, and scented candle holder. They're perfect for the fall and Christmas seasons! Wrap some twine around for the finishing touch.
Cinnamon Sticks Garland
Add cinnamon sticks and leaves to string for a fall garland. Use cinnamon sticks, ribbon, lights, and Christmas tree garland for a fun homemade decoration.
Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
Break out the craft supplies and cinnamon sticks. Use a popsicle stick and glue cinnamon sticks of various sizes on the popsicle stick to create a tree shape. Glue cinnamon sticks in the shape of a star and add some glitter for the perfect star ornament.
Cinnamon Cookie Cutter Ornaments
Mix cinnamon and applesauce in a small bowl until smooth. Roll dough into small balls and roll flat. Then use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Make a hole at the top with a straw. Place on a sprayed cookie sheet and bake. Once cooled, add a holiday ribbon to hang as an ornament.
DIY Cinnamon Scented Pinecones
Apply white craft glue or Mod Podge to your pine cones. Stand the cones upright on foil or paper and sprinkle cinnamon all over them. Sprinkle glitter as well for an extra festive touch! Place around the house as decor throughout the season.
Stove Top Potpourri
Add a cinnamon stick to a saucepan with cloves, nutmeg, and a sliced orange. Fill the pan halfway with water and turn it on low. Add more water as it evaporates to keep the ingredients from burning. Once the water heats, your home will fill with a delicious holiday scent. Add those dry ingredients to a jelly jar and tie it with a ribbon to give out as a small gift.
Have more cinnamon ideas to share? We would love to hear from you. Post your ideas and pictures on social media, tag us, and use the hashtag #celebratetradition to share.
Visit https://www.kuhnsmarket.com/home to start your festive cinnamon list!