The Wonders of Cinnamon + Braided Bread

I must be the most obsessive person I know. I just really love certain things:

• Chick-fil-A, Mustard Seed, and Menchie’s
• lime green
• and CINNAMON

Most people don’t know this, but cinnamon is ground from the bark of a cinnamon tree. It is really beneficial to your health.

• Cinnamon’s nutrients include manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
• As an anti-inflammatory, cinnamon can reduce blood clotting.
• Just a 1/2 teaspoon a day can lower LDL cholesterol.
• Its oils qualify as an anti-microbial food.
• It helps control blood sugar spikes.
• The scent alone can boost brain activity – no wonder I am so smart!

(Source)
Cinnamon can easily be added into your diet. I sprinkle mine in oats, cereal, yogurt, sweet potatoes, pancakes, pb sandwiches, and coffee, tea and smoothies. I have also snuck it into several recipes, including Walnut & Cinnamon Rugelach, Moroccan Bison Stew, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, and Sweet Potato Muffins. When I saw a recipe for braided bread on Janae’s blog, I knew I had to have it. Even if that meant I was up until 2 am making it.

Yep, even after the large dinner at Magnolia’s with Katie, I still wanted to bake bread. I was on a mission. At 10:30 PM. Great timing, right? No.

First, I tried to make the dough using a hand mixer. What an idiot. I’m sure this is a highly illegal baking move, but it was late and I wanted to work quickly. Oops. I decided to work with my hands instead, as they are a little less vicious. I formed a lovely round ball and noticed that the recipe says to let it rise for 2 hours. TWO HOURS. It was nearly 11 PM at this point. I just told myself, “Stay awake – it’s just like if you were at a bar. Except not drinking. Or with a lot of friends. So therefore you are a loser.” After watching the Food Network for two hours, the dough had risen. I separated it into three smaller balls. (EW!) Next, I rolled and flattened them out, filling them with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Lucy took pictures for me. She appreciates my dedication to late night baking. Then I made a pretty braid. I felt like I was braiding Rapunzel’s hair. Before baking, the braided loaf must rise for another hour. I’m not kidding. Thank goodness it only takes about 15-18 minutes to bake!

The final product:I completely understand why this is Janae’s favorite bread recipe. It’s a very soft, chewy bread, and would be delicious with or without the cinnamon. But with all of cinnamon’s benefits, I definitely recommend including it.
I made a second loaf for Christmas morning and everyone really enjoyed it warmed up.

I enjoyed it raw, baked, and warmed over.

Question: Do you like cinnamon? What’s your favorite way to use it?


It’s almost NYE!! Thank you for all your votes on which dress I should wear. Out of 63 of responses, 47 of you voted for the purple dress. I am happy to report that I will be wearing it on Friday!