Cinnamon Steamers
Neighbor Trish and I were dragging our bodies up the mile three hell–er–hill of our weekly 5 mile walk when Trish found it in her soul to mention that her mother once owned a bakery. How this piece of information had remained hidden throughout our friendly exersizic jaunts, I know not. But there, trudging up an asphalt Everest she began to describe her mom’s specialty…little butter cookies with cinnamon icing. Say what?! I told her days later (after we’d regained the use of our legs and ventured out for another walk & talk) of the imaginings I’d had over those cookies. I’d dreamed about them. I wanted to make a batch of them. What if, I suggested, I created a melty shorbread cookie and topped it with a mixture of confectioners sugar, a dot of molasses, a sprinkling of cinnamon.
“Oh, No!” Trish cut in, “You don’t use the actual spice. You use cinnamon extract.”*I’d never heard of such a thing as cinnamon extract, but promptly scooted my booty to the nearest grocery mart, located a box of it for purchase and nestled it lovingly home.*In my life, I’ve been lucky enough to experience a few moments that have changed me forever:-Answering the knock at the front door of my college apartment and coming eye-to-eye my ravishing future-husband for the first time.-Watching my fat six-month-old bobble himself into a sit on the floor, then being overcome with a desire to both cheer for his accomplishment and chomp on his delicious little thighs in the self-same moment.-Relishing a one-week stay at the Kindred Spirits Country Inn on Prince Edward Island. -Discovering cinnamon extract.*I know. I’ve very obviously understated the enormity of this discovery.Let me try again…*Where the cinnamon spice itself is marvelously tasty and useful, cinnamon extract is like infusing the essence of cinnamon into the very soul of your baking. The soul. See how magnificently life-changing that could be?*Since bringing it home, I’ve found so many uses for the stuff, fell so head over heels for it, that I plan to devote a whole upcoming post to the wonders one can bake with cinnamon extract.In the meantime, I share yesterday’s spontaneous Sunday breakfast menu which warmed our hearts and cockles against a most dreary weekend of weather.*
Cinnamon SteamersDrizzly days notoriously invite a warm book and a hot read.Spice up your regular rainy-day routine with this simple, succulent beverage.4 cups milk1/2 c sugar1/2 tsp. cinnamon extractDash of cinnamonIn a medium saucepan, mix all ingredients and heat just until steaming. Do not allow to boil. Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream or a sprinkling of cinnamon.*
Puffed Pancake Cups with Sparkling Apple SyrupAllright, did you notice in the photos? Our pancakes didn’t puff very well this morning but that’s because I didn’t use white flour (Sometimes I do actually conjure healthy food with whole wheat, believe it or not) and I didn’t wait for the oven to heat up our ceramic cups enough. If you are certain to accomplish those two important tasks, I promise you pancakes that puff like little steam clouds from their mugs, creating a cozy cradle for the incoming splendor that is Apple Syrup. Either way, these pancakes are the only way to greet a rainy day. Or an autumn day. Or a summer day, for that matter. They are just so nice.6 Tbsp. butter4 eggs1 cups all purpose-flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 cups milk
Place 6 small ramekins or ceramic mugs on a cookie sheet. Plop 1 Tbsp. of butter in each cup, then put in an oven preheated to 425 degrees until butter is sizzling. While cups are heating up, beat eggs in a medium bowl until light yellow. Add remaning ingredients. Whip until well mixed. Quickly spoon batter into hot ramekins. Return to oven and bake (no opening the oven to peek!) for 15-18 minutes, or until pancakes have puffed and browned at edges. Remove from oven and drench with hot Sparkling Apple Syrup. Serve immediately. *Sparkling Apple SyrupNamed such because it truly sparkles in the pan. And on the pancakes. And, probably in your belly. And very, very likely upon your smiling choppers, too. That’s what we call true bling, baby. Yowza.1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced1 Pink Lady apple, cored and diced1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and diced3 Tbsp. butter1 tsp. cinnamon extract1/2 tsp. vanilla extract1 cup maple pancake syrupMelt butter in a large saucepan, over medium high heat. Add diced apples and allow to saute in hot butter just until one side is slightly browned. Stir with a spatula until softened. Add extracts and syrup. Remove from heat and spoon warm syrup over hot puffed pancakes.*It’s raining, It’s pouringIt’s breakfast we’re adoring.*Has autumn taken hold of your weather, too?
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apparentlyjessy on September 14, 2009 at 1:29 am
Oooh yum! I am certain cinnamon extract isn't available in Australia sadly, but I will forever keep an eye out in search of it!
That apple syrup just looks so divine, I must try this recipe for Sunday breakfast!
Yaya on September 14, 2009 at 4:28 am
Cinnamon extract? Does life GET any better??
Jennifer on September 14, 2009 at 4:53 am
Although it is not yet Autumn weather here I have been daydreaming about it for far too long! This apple syrup is amazing!!!!
Emily (The Experimentarian) on September 14, 2009 at 6:20 am
Your blog is so beautiful! Cinnamon extract sounds too divine. I've seen it before, but never compromised my cinnamon sprinkling ways–until now. I WILL get some!
Memória on September 14, 2009 at 8:15 am
I've never heard of cinnamon extract, but I will definitely be looking for it now! I MUST try all of these recipes. YUMMMMM!!!
Sophie on September 14, 2009 at 8:19 am
A 5 mile walk??!!! Impressive, makes me tired just thinking about it :P.
It can't get any more deliciously fall than this! Cinnamon extract, I'll have me some of that :D!!!
Anatomy of A Dinner Party on September 14, 2009 at 8:20 am
Cinnamon is my most favorite flavor of all. I am so excited to purchase some extract and bake with it! Thank you!
Mary Frances on September 14, 2009 at 8:35 am
The other stuff sounds awesome… BUT…I WANT your friends cookie recipe!!! PLEASE!!! :) I LOVE cookies!!! BTW- Banana extract is awesome!!!
Indigo on September 14, 2009 at 9:19 am
I walked four miles just this morning. Does this mean I've earned me some cinnamon extract? I've never even heard of it, but boy, I know I want it. I may have to turn to teh internetz to order some, I think.
Incidentally: puffed pancake cups? and sparkly apple – thingy? Oh my. Point those things my way.
Trinette McCrary on September 14, 2009 at 10:44 am
Yummy to my tummy. I love anything cinnamon. Cinnamon ice cream is one of my favs. I love milk steamers. I will soo have to try your recipe. I hope I can find the extract or I might just die.. Love your wonderful blog.
Tim and Audra on September 14, 2009 at 11:22 am
This looks really yummy! Could you post something about peaches maybe? I would really appreciate it.
BJHBHBB on September 14, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Can you please send some autumn to Texas!?!?! It's rainy, but muggy and NOT COOL! I keep wanting to make chili and cornbread, but sweating while eating is not my favorite pasttime!! I did make "puff pancakes" after church yesterday too, but not in cute little cups and definitely not with sparkling apple syrup!! MUST TRY CINNAMON EXTRACT! I will be getting it on my next shopping trip! Thanks for the advice!
Stef on September 14, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Fantastic breakfast idea. I've never heard of anything like it. Thanks for sharing!
Lydia on September 14, 2009 at 12:53 pm
This post may have just changed my family's life forever! I cannot wait to make ever bit of these recipes on Saturday morning!
Mimaw on September 14, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I've been blurking at your site for a while now. Is cinnamon extract different than cinnamon oil? I've been using cinnamon oil to soak toothpicks in for years, then suck on the toothpick (too much will sort of blister the crack in you lip – ouch) they are fabity-fab-fab-fabulous. I'll keep an eye out for the extract! Thanks for your beautiful blog, I read it during work
(oooohhhhh) it keeps my day bright
Lisa on September 14, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Did I miss something in the buttercream post? When do you add the other half of the powdered sugar? Or do you just use one pound unless you want it thicker? Sounds too good to mess up! Thanks!!
wendy on September 15, 2009 at 9:21 am
I am dreaming of you posting the recipe for the 'little butter cookies with cinnamon icing'…..
Snooky doodle on September 15, 2009 at 1:33 pm
wow your blog is really nice. I m hooked.
Jessica on September 15, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Cool blog! Excited to follow along!
Natalie on September 15, 2009 at 9:31 pm
We love to make chocolate popcorn with a few drops of cinnamon oil (not extract…but the same delicious flavor) mixed in white chocolate before tossing with the popcorn. So good…people can never quite put their finger on the flavor. Cinnamon!
Jen on September 16, 2009 at 10:23 am
If you love the extract you really must try cinnamon oil. A little goes a long way but you can't beat the tast!
The American Homemaker on September 16, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Sounds fabulous!!!
Grand Pooba on September 17, 2009 at 10:21 am
I my goodness, I've got to try the cinnamon steamers!!!
Live.Love.Eat on September 17, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Hey stranger, your blog is looking so beautiful. You've come so far huh?!!!! Everything looks delish and the pics are gorgeous.