Welcome to Heart Healthy Recipes' Newsletter

Cinnamon is this month’s Heart Healthy Recipes’ newsletter focus. The popular, holiday spice is featured with its heart health benefits, along with several, simple recipes ~ including an apple dessert, and cinnamon smoothie. Also, a Christmas treat that is naturally sweetened, dairy-free, egg-free with the warm, sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Also, the potassium in cinnamon may help to regulate blood pressure. In addition, the potassium may help the proper function of muscles, including the heart muscle, helping to maintain a healthy heart rate.

Cinnamon is also high in fiber helping to regulate cholesterol levels, along with helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, the fiber helps assist in manage weight.

Cinnamon is a natural anti-biotic which may help the body fight off various infections, leading to over-all health of the body as well.

Cinnamon may easily be added to many dishes of various kinds, including pies, casseroles, and more. The festive aroma is a welcome addition to holiday drinks and the cinnamon sticks maybe utilized as cheerful decorating material in crafts and gifts.

Cinnamon Apple Smoothie

Recipe Ingredients:

1 tablespoon water (if using the stove-top method)

1½ teaspoons cinnamon, ground

2 teaspoons date or maple syrup

½ cup Greek yogurt

⅓ cup rolled oats

¼ cup oat drink

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Instructions:

Once apples are softened, add the ground cinnamon and date or maple syrup. Allow the apples to cool for 15 minutes and then add the yogurt, oats, oat drink and vanilla extract.

Next, place apple mixture into a blender. Blend until smooth. Adding more cinnamon or date-maple syrup if needed. Serve immediately, or allow to chill first, then serve. Garnish with ground cinnamon if desired.

Makes 1 serving.

Baked Cinnamon and Apples

Recipe Ingredients:

2 teaspoons cinnamon, or to taste

Recipe Instructions:

Peel and remove apple cores. Slice each apple and place in a pie dish, baking tray or similar.

Place in oven and bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until desired texture is achieved.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Cinnamon Rolls

Bread Dough Ingredients:

1 teaspoon sea salt

2¼ teaspoons instant dried yeast, or one standard packet

¼ cup aquafaba (chickpea liquid)

2 tablespoons maple or honey syrup

1 cup plant-based milk (oat, almond or similar)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Filling Ingredients:

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze Topping Ingredients:

1½ teaspoons cinnamon

Recipe Instructions:

In a saucepan, warm the chickpea liquid (aquafaba), careful to keep no warmer than lukewarm. Also, add syrup (maple or honey), milk, and oil. Continually stirring until mixture is dissolved. If temperature goes over lukewarm, allow to cool again before adding yeast.

Add the chickpea liquid to the flour liquid, combining well.

Place the dough on a bread board or clean, lightly floured countertop. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes. Once the dough is shiny and smooth, place in a large mixing bowl. Lightly coat the dough with olive oil and cover with a clean, warm cloth towel. Set the bowl in a warm place (75-80°F) for approximately one to two hours or until dough has doubled.

For the filling ~ In a small bowl, place the pitted dates, covering with boiling water, allowing to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the dates into a food processor. Add the cinnamon. Process until very smooth.

Place the raised dough on a bread board and roll flat until approximately 16 to 18 inches wide and 2 inches high.

Spread the above date filling on the top of dough with the back of a spoon.

Starting from one side, roll the dough tightly to form a long cylinder shape. Next, cut the dough into 12 slices, approximately 1 to 1½ inches thick. Place slices horizontally on a lightly oiled baking tray. Cover the rolls with a warm, clean cloth and allow to rise again for approximately an hour.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Once oven is preheated, place rolls in oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove rolls from oven and apply below glaze while rolls are still hot for best flavor saturation.

For the glaze ~ In a small bowl, combine maple or honey syrup, along with the cinnamon.

Makes 12 servings.

Medium-Sized Cast Iron Skillet:

Cast Iron Skillet ~ Made in the USA ~ Click Here for Details

Cinnamon Oat Cookies

Recipe Ingredients:

2 tablespoons water

½ cup oat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon cinnamon

½ cup maple or date syrup

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Recipe Instructions:

In a medium to large mixing bowl, add dry ingredients, including cinnamon, combining thoroughly. In a separate, medium mixing bowl. Add the maple or date syrup, olive oil, and vanilla, along with the chia seeds, mixing well. Next, add the chia seed mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Scoop even amounts of the cookie dough onto a baking tray, baking sheet making 12-14 cookies. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Allow to cool on a rack, before serving or storing in an air-tight container.

Makes 12-14 cookies/servings.

For More Recipes with Cinnamon:

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie
Blueberry Muffins
Cinnamon Bars
No-Sugar Added Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Sweet 'N Spicy Carrot Muffins

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