Would You Like To Know The Secret Ingredient?

Don't you just hate it when someone gives you a recipe, and they leave out the secret ingredient? I wish I understood why someone does that. I consider it such a complement when asked for my recipe, that I will not only give it to you, I will write it out on a gourmet recipe card.

That is why I was surprised when I gave a friend my recipe for cinnamon buns, and she told me that when she made them – they were not as good as mine. She accused me of keeping the "Secret Ingredient" to myself.

I had not kept the secret ingredient to myself and I am going to share with you why my buns were better… it is the "Brand" of spices and herbs you use. If you use old tasteless Cinnamon from the local store that have lost their flavor, you will get ho-hum results. But if you use fresh and high quality organic spices, your buns will pop!

If you are going to go through all the work of making Cinnamon Buns, don't you want to hear "These are the Best Cinnamon Buns I have ever had?!"

Speaking of Cinnamon, did you know that it is more than just a spice for baking?

Just a 1/2 teaspoon a day can:
    ▪    Lower LDL cholesterol
    ▪    Regulate your blood sugar levels
    ▪    Curb your appetite
    ▪    Strengthen your cardiovascular system
    ▪    Boost your immune system
    ▪    Stop medication-resistant yeast infections
    ▪    Fight cancer cells
    ▪    Anti-clotting effect on your blood
    ▪    Reduce arthritis pain
    ▪    Preserves food naturally
    ▪    Boosts cognitive function and memory
    ▪    Fights E Coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices
    ▪    Freshens your breath
    ▪    Removes blood impurities (aka less pimples & blackheads)
    ▪    Relieves menstrual cramping
    ▪    Aids in secreting breast milk
    ▪    Treats insect bites
    ▪    Source of manganese, fibre, iron & calcium

 The list goes on, but it shows we need more cinnamon in our life! Maybe they were thinking of cinnamon when they coined the expression "the spice of life."

Not all cinnamon is the same. There are two categories:

1. True or Ceylon – is a lighter tan color and a sweeter, delicate citrus flavor. This type is more expensive. The bark is thin and brittle and the sticks are like a rolled cigar.

2. Cassia is from the cassia tree. This is the cinnamon common in North America. It is a darker reddish brown color and is spicier with a bit of heat. Cassia sticks have a thicker bark and form a double scroll.

Some ways to add Cinnamon to your diet:

• Sprinkle cinnamon on your coffee before brewing, or add to your brewed cup of coffee
  
• Add a stick to hot mulled cider or hot chocolate
  
• Mix it in almond butter
  
• Sprinkle on porridge, along with some maple syrup & pecans
  
• Sprinkle over cut up apples for breakfast or a snack
  
• Or if you hate the taste, make cinnamon capsules.
  

Word of Caution:

Like anything, take in moderation. It can be toxic if over indulged, and there are possible side effects if taken with some drugs.

Cinnamon Trivia:

• Did you know it is one of the Secret Ingredients used in Cola soft drinks?
  
• Did you know in 100 A.D. Cinnamon was 15 times more expensive than silver?
  
  
• This ancient spice invokes such strong emotional memories that Real Estate agents encourage you to simmer cinnamon sticks in water prior to an open house (if you didn't fit in baking a batch of cinnamon buns.)
  
  

So here's to Healthy Abs of Steel and Buns of Cinnamon!

 

Elvie Look: Your Professional Organizing Coach who is helping people get organized with her easy tips and suggestions. These systems help the busy mom, businessman or woman,  entrepreneur or student learn the keys to organizing in simple, actionable and manageable steps. She teaches how to get organized and maintain your organized space while carrying on your normal busy life. She is the author of "21 Steps From Chaos To Calm.

Tagged as: baking, recipe, recipes