Cinnamon is a spice taken from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods. The flavour of cinnamon is due to an aromatic essential oil that makes up 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent of its composition. This essential oil is prepared by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in sea water, and then quickly distilling the whole.
Health benefitsCinnamon regulates blood sugar, making it a great choice for diabetics and hypoglycaemic people alike. It is said to reduce harmful cholesterol (LDL) which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has natural anti-infectious compounds and has been effective against ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria and some more pathogens. It is a natural preservative. It contains fibre, calcium, iron, and manganese — albeit in small amounts, due to the small dose of ground cinnamon used.
Here is a simple recipe.
Apple cinnamon muffinsIngredients:
Refined flour: one-and-a-half cups
Sugar: one-third cup
Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon, divided: 1 teaspoon
Salt: half teaspoon
Egg: 1
Milk: half cup
Apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped: 1
Butter, melted: 4 tablespoons
Finely chopped nuts (either walnuts or pecans): one-third cup
Brown sugar: quarter cup
Method:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and the salt. In a medium bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Stir in chopped apple and melted butter. Add all at once to flour mixture; stir until mixed. The batter will be stiff. Spoon into the sprayed muffin tin, making each cup approximately two-thirds full. Mix chopped nuts, brown sugar, and remaining cinnamon to make topping; sprinkle evenly on muffins. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Jr Sous Chef
Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove
