Cinnamon is a versatile aromatic spice which has many uses. In biblical times, it was an ingredient found in fragrant perfumes and anointing oils. However, cinnamon's most common use is for culinary purposes. You can learn to use cinnamon sticks in cooking many desserts and dishes with these simple tips.
Use cinnamon sticks to flavor milk for custards and flans. Pour cold milk in a saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer and remove from the heat. Let the milk steep with the cinnamon until you are ready to make the custard. Remember to discard the cinnamon sticks before using the milk.
Enhance the flavor of rice pudding by using cinnamon sticks. Add the cinnamon sticks to the pudding mixture and cook. Remove the cinnamon sticks from the pudding when ready to serve.
Prepare and add flavor to wine poaching liquids for fruits (pears or apples) with cinnamon sticks.
Make hot spiced cider, wassail punch or spiced tea with a combination of spices that include cinnamon sticks (see Resources).
Brew a pot of coffee by adding pieces of cinnamon sticks along with ground coffee to the coffee maker. You can also add cinnamon sticks to cocoa for added flavor.
Add flavor to sugar by placing cinnamon sticks in it. You can make cinnamon -flavored sugar by adding 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks to a pound of sugar and storing it for two weeks in a glass jar.
Cook rice pilaf in a cinnamon-flavored broth and add some roasted nuts and chopped dried fruit for a savory dish with a Middle Eastern flair.
Resources