#SpiceChat – Cinnamon

I had the pleasure of tuning in to #SpiceChat today on Twitter, hosted by @TableFare and @MySpiceSage. Today’s topic: cinnamon.

Some great excerpts from the discussion:

~ Cinnamon is great in a burger.
~ Cinnamon is an aphrodisiac for men.
~ Cinnamon is great to eat if you’re a diabetic, as it helps regulate blood sugar.
~ Salt and pepper and cinnamon, oh my!
~ Put cinnamon in french onion soup for an entirely new spin.
~ Cinnamon and caramelized brussels sprouts? Yes!
~ Cinnamon has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
~ Cinnamon is believed to lower cholesterol.

Here are my answers to some of the questions asked:

Q1: When you hear the word “cinnamon”, what foods or food memories do you think of?
~ I always think of making cinnamon rolls in my grandma’s kitchen.

Q2: What 3 words best describe the aroma and flavour of cinnamon?
~ Intense, Warming, Lively

Q3: What are your favourite ways to use cinnamon in desserts and baked goods?
~ Too many ways… oatmeal cookies, bread pudding, with anything pumpkin, with chocolate…

Q4: How do you use cinnamon in savoury cooking?
~ Chili, soups

Q5: What vegetables are enhanced by cinnamon?
~ Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin – many others I’m sure

Q6: Do you have a favourite kind of cinnamon?
~ I was unaware of any other available kinds until today!

Q7: In what kinds of dishes do you use cinnamon sticks over ground cinnamon?
~ Soups and drinks mostly.

Q8: What spices do you like to combine with cinnamon? Do you have any particular blends to share?
~ Chili powder, nutmeg, cumin, cayenne.