The holidays, especially this year, are a time to treat ourselves, our family, and our friends. Traditional holiday flavors, such as peppermint, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and cloves can add flavor and flare to holiday treats without adding extra fat, salt, or sugar. Holiday aromas can be incorporated into our environment, adding a calming and happy element.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon was highly regarded in ancient Egypt as a flavoring, a cure for disease, and as an ingredient in perfumes. In medieval times, cinnamon was used to treat coughs, sore throats, arthritis, and to help preserve food. Cinnamon contains a very small amount of fiber, which helps to provide a feeling of fullness, or satiety. This means we can savor and appreciate smaller servings of foods and beverages flavored with cinnamon. Consider a sprinkle of cinnamon in your hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or hot milk.Cinnamon is harvested from the bark of several different types of trees, including evergreens and laurels. Cinnamon is available whole or in powder form for use in food, or as an essential oil for household use.
