Cinnamon

Ran across this in Runner's World and thought that we all need to make sure we're eating a little cinnamon!

"Cinnamon's sweet, warming flavor makes it a perfect winter spice. Some studies show it may play a role in helping prevent or treat diabetes by boosting the effect of insulin, which regulates blood sugar, but the findings are inconclusive. Researchers do know it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Most of the cinnamon sold in the US is actually a cinnamon relative called cassia. It's a less expensive alternative to Ceylon, or "true cinnamon," which is harder to find. Ground cassia is dark reddish and slightly bittersweet, while Ceylon is buff in color and sweeter."

So pull out the cinnamon and add a pinch to your:

• coffee
• tea
• baked goods
• chili
• stews
• oatmeal
• orange veggies

Don't overdo it, please read the articles below for more information, but if you want to add a little flavor without sugar then reach for the cinnamon!

 
Action item: Let me know in the comment section how you use cinnamon! We could all benefit from some true and trusted advice.

For further reading: Cinnamon Health Benefits/Risks/Side Effects, Cinnamon Health Benefits, Benefits of Eating Honey and Cinnamon

Warm Apple Crisp

I ran across this simple and delicious recipe for Apple Crisp the other day while looking for something else. I think it came from Cooking Light years ago. It tastes delicious, can be lower in sugar than a typical recipe, smells so good while cooking, and it's easy to make!

Apple Crisp

• Nonfat cooking spray (or oil of choice)
• 2 cups peeled, cored and thinly sliced apples
• 2 tbsp sugar, or to taste (DO NOT NEED)
• 1/4 cup apple juice (make sure it is pure apple juice)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon*
• pinch of nutmeg

oat topping ingredients:

• 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (always try it with a little less or use an alternative sweetener of choice)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (I use whole-wheat flour or almond meal)
• 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 350. Coat an 8-inch square shallow baking dish with cooking spray. In a large
bowl, toss together the apples, sugar, apple juice, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.

Make the oatmeal topping: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, gently combine the walnuts or almonds, oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter at low speed. (I just mix it by hand.)

Place the apple mixture in the dish. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the apples are cooked through, the juices are bubbling, and the topping is browned. Serve, hot, warm, or at room temperature.

There are so many things you could add/change to this recipe. Maybe add flaxseed, use Maple Syrup, or hide some chia seeds in here... let me know if you try it with substitutions. Then you can serve it of course with frozen yogurt, a small scoop of natural vanilla ice cream or even a drizzle of vanilla yogurt, but PLEASE no Cool Whip. I'm not even sure what that stuff really is!
 

* On another day, I'll post more about the health benefits of cinnamon. Until then, check out the For Further Reading link below.


Action Item: Give this a try, especially those of you in the cold and snowy parts of the US right now!

For Further Reading: Cinnamon Health Benefits