Recipe Adventure: 10 Ways To Cook and Bake With Cinnamon @ClevelandClinic

There’s no spice quite as cozy as cinnamon. Turns out, this kitchen staple can provide a boost not only to your meals, but also to your body.

There’s no spice quite as cozy as cinnamon. As the weather gets colder, it becomes an ever more appealing addition to baked goods and savory dishes alike — and it turns out that this kitchen staple can provide a boost not only to your meals, but also to your body.

The health benefits of cinnamon may surprise you. Studies show that it has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol. So, why not work this versatile spice into your meal rotation? Here are a few tasty ways to do so.

Dinner thyme

Spices and herbs are the stars of this Baked Cinnamon-Thyme Chicken, with cinnamon providing a sweet nuttiness and thyme bringing an added earthiness. The end result is a healthy, flavorful dish that packs plenty of flavor and health benefits.

Feeling saucy

Looking for an alternative to applesauce? Kiddos and adults alike will gobble up Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce, with its similar texture and bold, red berries. Loaded with vitamins C and E, it’s delightful as a standalone side or atop your turkey.

Autumn-nom-nom

Subtly sweet and buttery, Baked Cinnamon Acorn Squash is a fall treat packed with beta carotene. Eat it as a side dish or snack — either way, it melts in your mouth. It’s also got powerful antioxidants that help your body kick free radicals to the curb.

Loaf around

Gluten-free and surprisingly simple to make, Spiced Sweet Potato Quick Bread combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and mace. But there’s one ingredient you won’t find in this recipe — sugar.

Soothing sipper

On cold nights, there’s nothing like a hot beverage. Green Tea Infused With Apples & Cinnamon is a brain-healthy choice that’s steeped in flavor. Tea is a great source of potent antioxidants, and cinnamon adds both flavor and antioxidants.

An apple a day

Cinnamon pairs perfectly with all varieties of apples for an autumnal combo that can’t be beaten. Whether you’re seeking a healthy dessert (or breakfast) like Warm Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Crisp, whipping up a quick batch of No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Bites to munch on or looking for a guilt-free snack like Chewy Cinnamon Apple Rings, the opportunities are endlessly delicious.

Go for the gold

Tame inflammation and ease your soul by sipping on Almond Gold Milk with Apricots and Cinnamon, a unique blend of flavors made for soothing inflammation. Try this creamy concoction once, and you’ll want to enjoy it again and again.

Just peachy

Cinnamon for dessert! Get kids involved in making Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Honey Yogurt Dip, a simple dish made with fresh fruit and a cool dipping sauce. It’s a refreshing, healthy and delicious way to end any meal.

Brownie points

OK, OK, cinnamon isn’t necessarily the standout star of these Fudgy Black Bean Brownies, but the spice is a key component that gives a subtle kick of taste and sweetness to these flourless treats. The black beans add texture but don’t interfere with the chocolate, we promise!

Popper topper

Loaded with fiber and heart-healthy polyphenols, Savory Seasoned Popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks around — and it’s not drowned in butter. Cinnamon makes for a tasty topping that brings antioxidant power and adds hardly any calories.

November 5, 2022

Recipe Adventure: 10 Ways To Cook and Bake With Cinnamon @ClevelandClinic

Cleveland Clinic

@ClevelandClinic

There’s no spice quite as cozy as cinnamon. Turns out, this kitchen staple can provide a boost not only to your meals, but also to your body.

Dinner thyme

Feeling saucy

Autumn-nom-nom

Loaf around

Soothing sipper

An apple a day

Go for the gold

Just peachy

Brownie points

Popper topper

November 5, 2022November 5, 2022

Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cookies @ClevelandClinic

Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Who says pumpkin spice is only exciting in latte form?

Don’t just reserve pumpkin for pumpkin spice lattes and pie! These easy spice cookies are a great way to spread the pumpkin love throughout the entire season.

If you don’t have any aluminum-free baking powder in your cupboard, pick some up the next time you go shopping. Aluminum may pose potential risks to your health as a neurotoxin. While the dose of aluminum is what makes the poison, some studies show a relationship between aluminum that is stored in your body and neuro-disorders (such as Alzheimer’s disease.) Limiting exposure to all metals is a protective measure we can take to optimize our health.

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree, fresh or canned
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegan palm shortening or melted coconut oil
1 cup oat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pinch sea salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix the pumpkin, syrup, applesauce, vanilla and shortening (or oil if using) in a large bowl. Alternatively, place in a blender and blend until combined.
In a separate medium bowl sift the oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices together.
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix to combine. Then fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter onto a large baking pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all batter is used. Place baking pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until just slightly firm. Remove the cookies from the oven and serve warm or room temperature.
Store uneaten cookies in a sealed glass container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 3 dozen cookies

Calories: 43
Total fat: 2 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrate: 5 g
Sodium: 25 mg

— Recipe courtesy of Mark Hyman, MD.

November 1, 2022November 1, 2022

Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cookies @ClevelandClinic

Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Who says pumpkin spice is only exciting in latte form?

Don’t just reserve pumpkin for pumpkin spice lattes and pie! These easy spice cookies are a great way to spread the pumpkin love throughout the entire season.

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix the pumpkin, syrup, applesauce, vanilla and shortening (or oil if using) in a large bowl. Alternatively, place in a blender and blend until combined.
In a separate medium bowl sift the oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices together.
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix to combine. Then fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter onto a large baking pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all batter is used. Place baking pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until just slightly firm. Remove the cookies from the oven and serve warm or room temperature.
Store uneaten cookies in a sealed glass container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 3 dozen cookies

Calories: 43
Total fat: 2 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrate: 5 g
Sodium: 25 mg

— Recipe courtesy of Mark Hyman, MD.

October 31, 2022

Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cookies @ClevelandClinic

Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Who says pumpkin spice is only exciting in latte form?

Don’t just reserve pumpkin for pumpkin spice lattes and pie! These easy spice cookies are a great way to spread the pumpkin love throughout the entire season.

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix the pumpkin, syrup, applesauce, vanilla and shortening (or oil if using) in a large bowl. Alternatively, place in a blender and blend until combined.
In a separate medium bowl sift the oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices together.
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix to combine. Then fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter onto a large baking pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all batter is used. Place baking pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until just slightly firm. Remove the cookies from the oven and serve warm or room temperature.
Store uneaten cookies in a sealed glass container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 3 dozen cookies

Calories: 43
Total fat: 2 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrate: 5 g
Sodium: 25 mg

— Recipe courtesy of Mark Hyman, MD.

October 12, 2022

How To Build A Better Bowl Of Chili @ClevelandClinic

Time to toss on your coziest cardigan and simmer a batch of chili? Before you grab your pot, check out our recommendations for making it your tastiest and healthiest ever.
Preventive cardiology dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, explains how to choose the right meat, beans, veggies, spices, hot sauce or chilis and toppings for your health.
How to build a better chili
It’s hard (though not impossible) to screw up chili. Here’s the low-down on how to make your batch — from the meat, beans, veggies, spices, hot sauce or chilis and toppings — a healthy, hearty dinner for the entire family.
1. Pick your protein
**Beef** (protein, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc).
**Turkey** (protein, niacin, selenium).
**Chicken** (protein, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorous, potassium).
**Pork** (protein, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, phosphorous, zinc, selenium).
**Venison** (protein, niacin, vitamins B6 & B12, thiamin, riboflavin, phosphorous, zinc).
**Buffalo** (protein, niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium).
**Soy crumbles** (thiamin, niacin, iron, vitamins B6 & B12).
**Tofu (fortified)** (calcium, copper, iron, manganese, omega-3 fats, phosphorus, protein, selenium).
**Beef chili is king in many circles.** But judiciously using beef — and often going with other options — is important for your cardiovascular health and to lower your risk of diabetes. If you do use beef, make sure it’s at least 85 to 90% lean. Other ideas? Mix and match half ground beef, half another lean meat recommended above. Going vegetarian? Add 1 cup of cooked bulgur wheat or barley for a hearty mouth-feel.
2. Use your bean
**Kidney beans** (fiber, protein, folate, iron, phosphorous, copper, manganese).
**Black beans** (fiber, protein, folate, iron, riboflavin, phosphorous, thiamin, manganese).
**Chickpeas** (fiber, protein, iron, phosphorous, vitamin B6, folate, manganese).
**Navy or great northern beans** (fiber, protein, iron, potassium, folate, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, thiamin).
**Pinto beans** (fiber, protein, folate, thiamin, iron, phosphorous, manganese, selenium).
**Soy or edamame (green soy) beans** (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, omega-3 fats, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin K, folate).
**Don’t skip the beans.** Chock full of soluble fiber, beans play an important role in controlling “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Fiber expands in your belly, which can help you feel full and prevent you from returning for a second bowl. The Mediterranean diet recommends at least 3 servings of beans or legumes every week.
3. Pump up the veggies
**Red or green bell peppers** (vitamins C, E, B1, B2 & B6, folate).
**Onions** (vitamin C & K, fiber, folate, potassium, manganese, iron).
**Diced tomatoes** (vitamins C & K, potassium, manganese, iron).
**Celery** (fiber, vitamins A, C & K, folate, potassium and manganese).
**Diced carrots** (fiber, vitamins A, C & K, potassium).
**Cubed butternut squash** (fiber, vitamins A & C, potassium, manganese, magnesium).
**Diced zucchini** (fiber, vitamins C, K & B6, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, potassium, manganese).
**One secret to a healthier chili?** Take your recipe and double the amount of veggies. Not only does this approach add texture and bulk to your dish without extra fat or a ton of calories — it’s also a budget-friendly way to stretch your batch!
4. Be smart about spices
**Chili powder** (vitamins A, C, E, K & B6, iron and manganese).
**Cumin** (iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium).
**Oregano** (vitamin K, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral).
**Coriander** (copper, manganese, iron, magnesium, anti-inflammatory, phytonutrients, antibacterial)
**Garlic** (vitamins C & B6, manganese, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial).
**Turmeric** (iron, manganese, anti-inflammatory).
**There are as many chili powders as there are chili recipes!** Craving spicy/smoky? Handcraft your own from dried guajillo, chipotle and ancho chilis — and paprika, cumin, oregano and garlic powder. Going store-bought? Check labels to avoid added fillers (especially if you are gluten- or dairy-free) or chemical anti-caking agents.
5. Kick up the heat
**Dried cayenne pepper** (vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, manganese).
**Jalapenos, Mexican dried chiles** (vitamins A, C, K & B6, folate, potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium).
**Hot sauce** (vitamins C & A, flavonoids, antioxidants).
**Canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce** (vitamin A, fiber, iron).
**Chili powder’s not the only heat around.** Differentiate your chili from the pack with your choice of dried, fresh or pickled peppers. After all, while it may feel like a fire in your belly, these peppers are actually firefighters — helping extinguish inflammation in your body.
6. Tantalizing toppings
**Red onion** (fiber, folate, vitamins B6 & C, manganese, potassium, phosphorous).
**Avocado** (vitamins C, E, K, B1, B2, B6, folate, potassium, magnesium, fiber, heart-healthy unsaturated fat).
**Chopped scallions** (fiber, vitamins A, C & K, folate, calcium, iron, potassium and manganese).
**Cilantro** (vitamins C & K, choline).
**2% shredded cheese** (calcium, vitamin D).
**Nutritional yeast** (protein, B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12).
**Sour cream (low-fat or fat-free)** (calcium, vitamin D).
**Plain Greek yogurt or dairy alternative yogurt** (calcium, vitamin D, protein) – can be used to replace sour cream.
**Don’t spoil it!** A good bowl of chili speaks for itself. Why destroy it — and your waistline — by drowning it in high-fat, high-calorie toppings? Steer clear of processed oyster crackers or saltines and use a light hand when selecting fresh, color-adding finishes.
Gotta have your cornbread? Make yours healthier:
**Make yours from scratch** and sidestep all of the sugar and partially hydrogenated fats in many premade mixes!
Use cornmeal, and **substitute whole-wheat flour** for the usual all-purpose.
**Keep it moist and low-fat** by using either low-fat buttermilk or reduced-fat milk curdled with vinegar. (For those who are dairy-free, almond milk curdled with apple cider vinegar works like a charm!)
**Skip the butter.** Use applesauce to replace the fat (this will also increase the moistness) or choose a good fat like peanut, avocado or canola oil.
**Go true Southern style.** That means skip the sugar entirely. While there’s always some debate, most purists will agree that a true cornbread is savory, not sweet! If you must have sugar, cut it in half or at least one-quarter. Using applesauce to replace the butter will also provide a sweetness that can allow for omitting the sugar or at least cutting in half.

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chili

September 27, 2022

Recipe: Sesame Cucumber Salad @Cleveland Clinic. Cucumbers are more than 90% water making them an ultimate superfood for beauty

Cleveland Clinic

@ClevelandClinic
·
12h

Stir up a simple salad for a light summer side dish! Cucumbers are more than 90% water, making them an ultimate superfood for beauty.

Cucumbers are abundant in silica, too, a trace mineral that may actually increase skin elasticity and help keep you looking young.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
Dash cayenne pepper
2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 bunch chives, minced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Directions

Combine vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well.
Add cucumbers, chives and sesame seeds.
Mix well and serve.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 2 servings

Calories: 100
Total fat: 4.5 g
Saturated fat: .5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 105 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Carbohydrate: 12 g
Sugar: 8 g
Protein: 4 g

August 17, 2022

Recipe: Sesame Cucumber Salad @Cleveland Clinic. Cucumbers are more than 90% water making them an ultimate superfood for beauty

Cucumbers are abundant in silica, too, a trace mineral that may actually increase skin elasticity and help keep you looking young.

Ingredients

Directions

Combine vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well.
Add cucumbers, chives and sesame seeds.
Mix well and serve.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 2 servings

Calories: 100
Total fat: 4.5 g
Saturated fat: .5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 105 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Carbohydrate: 12 g
Sugar: 8 g
Protein: 4 g

July 23, 2022

Recipe: Grilled Salmon With Cucumber Salad @ClevelandClinic

A new way to incorporate salmon into your weekend brunch

Cleveland Clinic

@ClevelandClinic
·
2h

Filled with healthy fats and fresh ingredients, this dish will leave you feeling satisfied, nourished and ready to embrace your weekend warrior: https://cle.clinic/3BSXeDL

July 16, 2022

Recipe: Caramelized Pineapple With Raspberries @ClevelandClinic

Cleveland Clinic

@ClevelandClinic
·
28m

This is a last-minute dessert that can be made post-dinner, while you brew the coffee and finish clearing the table

health.clevelandclinic.org

Recipe: Caramelized Pineapple With Raspberries

A refined, refreshing and quick dessert that will impress your guests

This is a last-minute dessert that can be made post-dinner, while you brew the coffee and finish clearing the table. Have ingredients and equipment ready beforehand — just be sure to turn the pineapple once and give the skillet a couple of shakes and voila! You’ll have a delightfully sweet dessert ready at your fingertips.

Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup sugar substitute
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced into six wedges lengthwise
Butter-flavored cooking spray, refrigerated
1 tablespoon trans-fat free margarine
2 tablespoons Cognac or fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions

Combine the sugar and sugar substitute. Sprinkle half of the mixture over one side of the pineapple. Turn and sprinkle the rest on the other side.
Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Add the margarine and melt over high heat. Place the pineapple in the skillet and cook, turning once and shaking the pan often, until it turns golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. (The pineapple can be prepared to this point and held for one hour.)
Transfer the pineapple wedges to six dessert dishes, leaving the sauce that has formed in the pan.
Stir the cognac into the pan to thin the sauce. Heat briefly. Drizzle the sauce over the pineapple and sprinkle with equal portions of the raspberries. Serve warm.

Nutritional information (per serving)

Makes 6 servings

Calories: 118
Total fat: 3 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Carbohydrate: 22 g
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 0 mg
Potassium: 122 mg