Cinnamon isn't cooked in the same way vegetables or meat are; instead, its preparation depends on its form and the recipe.
Cooking with Cinnamon Sticks vs. Ground Cinnamon
The method for cooking with cinnamon varies significantly depending on whether you're using cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon.
Cinnamon Sticks:
- Milder Flavor: Cinnamon sticks generally impart a milder flavor.
- Infusion in Liquids: They are best suited for liquid recipes with longer cooking times. This allows the flavor to infuse gradually into the dish.
- Removal After Cooking: The cinnamon stick is removed and discarded once the cooking process is complete. Think of simmering it in a pot of apple cider or a spiced chai.
Ground Cinnamon:
- Stronger Flavor: Ground cinnamon provides a more intense flavor compared to sticks.
- Addition to Dry Mixtures: It is typically added to dry mixtures, such as baking recipes (cakes, cookies, etc.).
- Quick Cooking Recipes: Ground cinnamon is also ideal for recipes with shorter cooking times where a stronger cinnamon flavor is desired.
- Stirring: It's usually stirred directly into the recipe, whether it's a sauce, a stew or a batter.
Examples: You might use cinnamon sticks in a slow-cooked apple pie filling to infuse the apples with a subtle sweetness and warmth, while you'd add ground cinnamon directly to the flour mixture of cinnamon rolls for a pronounced flavor.
