If you had to choose one spice to sum up autumn season what would it be? If you said cinnamon then I’m right there with you!
There is just something about cinnamon that reminds me so much of the fall time with it’s cozy, soothing scent. It evokes visions of drinking hot apple cider on crisp fall days and mom’s fluffy cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven.
Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in todays kitchen. I’m even willing to bet that you have some in your kitchen right now. If not, here are a few reasons why you may want to add cinnamon to your spice rack.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest know spices. It’s mentioned numerous times in the bible. Wars have been fought over trading this spice and at one point cinnamon was more sought after than gold in ancient Rome. Yep, cinnamon was serious business. Not to mention is has a load of health benefits like lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics, soothing sore throats, improving circulation and reducing stress, to name a few.
Thankfully, you and I don’t have to go to extremes to get our hands on this precious spice. We can simply run to the market. Now aren’t we just lucky?
Many jars of ground cinnamon found in the grocery stores are often a combination of pure cinnamon and cassia. Cassia comes from a similar tree as cinnamon but has a stronger flavor which enhances pure cinnamon. Pure cinnamon, known as Ceylon, has a lighter, sweeter taste.
One of my many favorite ways to use cinnamon is for freshening up my home during the holidays. Cinnamon makes a heavenly, all-natural/aromatherapy air freshener! I get so many compliments on how good my home smells when this mixture is simmering away on the stove. Try it out!
Welcome Home Cinnamon Air Freshener
Ingredients
2 cups water
3=5 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
peel of 1 orange
Add ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low. The steam will scent your home with the smell of fresh cinnamon. Just pour in more water as it evaporates.
Monique Kilgore is the woman behind Divas Can Cook. A sassy, award-winning cooking blog dedicated to teaching from-scratch cooking to the busy, modern day woman.
