6 Clever Uses for Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of my favorite fall flavors.  I love the taste, the smell, and the color of it.  But cinnamon can do a whole lot more than add flavor to applesauce, pancakes, and oatmeal…

cinnamon!

1.  Cinnamon is a great go-to spice for nausea, upset stomach, or other digestive problems.  Drop a cinnamon stick in a cup of tea to help sooth your sour tummy.  You could also add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to hot water and drink it like you would tea.

2.  Place cinnamon and other fall spices in an envelope and seal the envelope with tape.  Poke some holes in it and place it in your drawer, closet, or around your home to add a wonderful fall fragrance to the air.

3.  Anchor several cinnamon sticks in whole cloves or dried cranberries in a glass: this makes a pretty and sweet-smelling decorative element.  We also tie bunches of cinnamon sticks together and place them in our Christmas tree.  It looks beautiful and smells amazing.

4.  Break 4 cinnamon sticks and combine with 1/2 cup of whole cloves and 1/2 cup whole black peppercorns. Fill small squares of fabric with a tablespoon of this mixture, tie shut and hang in your closets to keep moths away from your clothes.

5.  It may not be a scientifically proven fact, but many homeowners have had success warding off ants with cinnamon sticks. Place some by your entry doors and in the corners on the floor in your kitchen and it should work to keep the ants away.

6.  Cooks and bakers alike know the value of fresh cinnamon.  If you want to experiment with cinnamon in your own cooking, know that cinnamon goes well with cardamom, cloves, coriander seed, cumin, ginger, mastic, nutmeg and mace, tamarind and turmeric.

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.