Beyond Pie: Inspired Seasonal Uses for Apples and Cinnamon
I’d wager few taste combinations are as classic as apple and cinnamon. The sweet tartness of fresh apples combined with the slight heat of cinnamon is perfect all year round. But for me, it elicits thoughts of cool, autumn days.
While apple and cinnamon dishes may seem best suited for early morning consumption, or as a mid-fall dessert staple, these two ingredients also taste great in lunch and dinner dishes, too.
Why apples and cinnamon?
Both apples and cinnamon are filled with awesome health-boosting components. Cinnamon can help ease a headache, stabilize blood sugar and can lower bad cholesterol. And apples are an awesome source of soluble fiber, potassium and folic acid.
Morning
Sure, you could rip open a pack of instant oatmeal (we won’t judge). But if you have a bit of extra time, consider making the following, oatmeal recipe that calls for yummy rolled oats (and apples and cinnamon!): “Caramelized Apple Hazelnut Oatmeal Recipe with Organic Whey Protein.”
Other ways to get your apples and cinnamon in the morning:
- Sprinkle cinnamon and cut apples atop cereal or granola.
- Add a touch of cinnamon to your coffee.
- Make an apple and peanut butter sandwich, with cinnamon sprinkled atop the butter.
Noon
As days start to cool, soup tends to replace salad as the most desired lunchtime meal. Bake a batch of Organic Pumpkin Soup over the weekend. While the soup is simmering, slice a few tart apples and mix with butter and brown sugar to make crisp apple croutons. Pack individual containers of soup and croutons for lunch on Sunday and you’ll be set for the whole week!
Night
Who doesn’t love pizza? Make the Lahmahjoon Pizza (via Eating Well), which incorporates cinnamon, and serve scrumptious Baked Organic Apples Stuffed with Winter Fruit Compote for desert.
Other lunch (or dinner) ideas:
- Prepare a rustic Italian meal, and have an apple for desert. Brew a cup of cinnamon tea to top off the meal.
- Cook up some Curried Red Lentil Soup with apple cider for desert!
Image: joyosity