cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, and contains manganese and small amounts of calcium and iron. It has been traditionally associated with blood sugar regulation, though clinical evidence remains mixed.
About
Cinnamon is the dried bark of trees belonging to the genus Cinnamomum, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The bark is harvested from cinnamon trees, dried, and naturally curls into quills or "sticks" as it loses moisture. Two main varieties dominate global trade: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), sourced primarily from Sri Lanka and characterized by a complex, delicate sweetness with citrus notes; and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum), from Indonesia and China, which has a bolder, spicier, and more assertive flavor profile with higher coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon commands premium prices due to its superior aromatic complexity and lower coumarin levels, making it preferred for fine culinary applications, while Cassia is more commonly used in commercial products and mass-market applications.
Culinary Uses
Cinnamon is a foundational spice in both sweet and savory cuisines worldwide. In Western baking and desserts, it flavors everything from pastries and cakes to beverages like hot chocolate and coffee. Middle Eastern and North African cuisines employ cinnamon in meat stews, rice dishes, and spice blends such as ras el hanout and baharat. Indian cuisine incorporates it into garam masala and curries, while Mexican cooking uses it prominently in mole sauce and chocolate preparations. Cinnamon's warm, slightly sweet character makes it versatile for both spice rubs on meats and finishing touches on fruit-based dishes. It pairs particularly well with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves, and complements both acidic and sweet flavor profiles.
Recipes Using cinnamon (908)
Low-cal Pumpkin Cheese Pie
Source: Diabetic Dessert Cookbook
Low-cholesterol Oatmeal Cookies
Low-cholesterol Oatmeal Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Apple Walnut Bran Muffins
Low-fat Apple Walnut Bran Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Banana Rice Pudding
Low-fat Banana Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Bran Muffins
Eating foods rich in bran became somewhat of a health craze in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the massive promotion of bran cereals and granola.
Low-fat Carrot Cake I
Low-fat Carrot Cake I from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Hot Cross Buns
Low-fat Hot Cross Buns from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Sugar-free Raisin Bars
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Re
Lumberjacks
are a cookie recipe from the Old Sturbridge Village Cookbook, and reflect baking from 1830s New England.
Macaroni Bechamel
Macaroni Bechamel from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Delight Cake
Macedonian Delight Cake from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel
Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel from the Recidemia collection
Mahshi Malfouf
Mahshi Malfouf from the Recidemia collection
Makkarónumjólk
Macaroni in milk Makkarónumjólk
Makoud vil Djedj
Chicken-stuffed potato patties
Malaysian Vindaloo
The name 'vindaloo' is actually of Portugese origin, which means wine and garlic. The dish was introduced during the Portugese occupation. You can use either Pork or Chicken for this recipe.
Ma'loobet el Bedingan
Ma'loobet el Bedingan from the Recidemia collection
Malu Abulthiyal
Malu Abulthiyal from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Mango-Banana Oatmeal Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Mango Brown Betty
Mango Brown Betty from the Recidemia collection
Mango Cake
Mango Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mango Cobbler
Mango Cobbler from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Custard Kuchen
Mango-Custard Kuchen from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake
Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mango Mango Mango Chutney
Mango Mango Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection
Mango Orange Bread Pudding
Mango Orange Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Mango Pie
Mango Pie from the Recidemia collection
Mango Turnovers
Mango Turnovers from the Recidemia collection
Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake
Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Maple Tarragon Sweet Potatoes
Maple Tarragon Sweet Potatoes from the Recidemia collection
Marmalade Cake
Marmalade Cake from the Recidemia collection
Martian Cookies
Red Cookies from Mars! The red Martian Cookies are a prized possession or recipe, at least on Mars. You can learn how to make them, too. It not require an extreme amount of work to make, and a great project to do with your kids.
Maschi
Stuffed tomato with Chopped (ground) Beef. ). The cucumbers are peeled, cut lengthwise, scooped out, filled and finished as below. You may also use Eggplants. Peel small Eggplants, remove the tops, scoop out interiors and proceed in the same manner.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes from the Recidemia collection
Massa Sovada
Portugese Sweet Bread Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group
Matzo Mango Kugel
Matzo Mango Kugel from the Recidemia collection
Mbatata Cookies
Malawi is known as the "warm heart of Africa" due to the friendliness of Malawian people. These cookies can be cut in the shape of hearts to commemorate the Malawian people.
Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Onion, Garlic and Spices
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Makes 4 servings
Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt
Meatballs with Noodles Tossed in Yogurt from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Beef Stew
This is a hearty and flavoursome beef stew inspired by the Mediterranean. It is based on a dish cooked by Keith Floyd in his Floyd around the Med TV series.
Mediterranean Vegetables
Mediterranean Vegetables from the Recidemia collection
Meringues with Roasted Raspberries and Hazelnut Creme Anglaise
American cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Holiday Recipes Dessert
Mexican Biscochito Cookies
Mexican Biscochito Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Chocolate Cake with Mocha Buttercream
Mexican cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Holiday Recipes
Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Chocolate Cupcakes
.
Mexican Cocoa
Mexican Cocoa from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Coffee Balls
chocolate wafer cookies
Mexican Seasoning
is sometimes just chili powder, though many variations on this theme exist. Make your own mixture ahead of time and store in a small shaker for easy use.
Mexican-style Hot Chocolate
Makes 9 servings, each 8 oz.