Spice Racks Blog

“People love cinnamon. It should be on tables in restaurants along with salt and pepper. Anytime anyone says, “Oh! This is so good. What’s in it?” The answer invariably comes back, Cinnamon. Cinnamon. Again and again.” - Jerry Seinfeld

Cinnamon. It truly is one of my favorite spices. Whether it’s a cinnamon babka, or just cinnamon toast, sometimes I feel like I’m addicted to it! Cinnamon is actually the bark of a laurel tree native to Sri Lanka. Did you know that Aristotle wrote about Cinolmolgus, the Cinnamon Bird? He believed this bird lived in Arabia, and used cinnamon to build its nests. People would collect the cinnamon by toppling the nests. Later on, Pliny the Elder ruined the fun by saying there was no Cinnamon Bird, and such stories were just made up to drive up the price of cinnamon. What a spoilsport! Pliny the Buzzkill, more like it!

Besides being delicious, cinnamon is starting to gain some notice for having some mega health benefits. Studies have shown that half a teaspoon daily can help reduce LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol. It also has a regulatory effect on blood sugar.

How do you like to use cinnamon? I love it with oatmeal, or on peanut butter sandwiches. I’ve also realized that cinnamon pairs well with beef. I like putting a small amount (we’re talking half a teaspoon) in bolognese sauce for pasta, as well as using it in a rub for short ribs. But, go lightly! Add too much, and it gets a little weird.  

And, of course. The king. The champion of breakfasts, and late afternoon snacks. Cinnamon Toast. I have such a love of cinnamon toast, that I’ve made a dedicated shaker for the cinnamon sugar. I took one of my empty spice jars (like one of these Glass Spice Bottles from Stacks And Stacks), and filled it with cinnamon, sugar, and half of a vanilla bean. Shake over toasted, buttered bread (I like sourdough), and enjoy!

So, how are you using cinnamon? Whether you’ve got a new recipe, or are just using it to build a nest (I still believe in you, Cinolmolgus!), let me know!