This is my first time not using regular off the shelf cinnamon, so I didn't know what to expect. I had read that its both "sweeter" and "more bold" which almost seem contradictory. However, my out-of-date regular cinnamon was given ho-hum reviews in the previous days apple crisp, so I knew I needed to get something better, but was it really worth the cost? I wavered, but knew with making sugar free homemade applesauce the cinnamon (half of the ingredients,) needed to deliver! And deliver it did! It was sweeter, and yes, bolder somehow.
I used a generous amount, but was pleased the bottle was still almost full. (I'm glad I didn't buy a full pound that it would take 3 lifetimes for this non foodie to use.) It contains all the great health benefits cinnamon is known for, so I feel good about that, and this brand had the climate change sticker on it (at the time I write this,) so I know sustainability is built into their practices.
Overall, I'm totally pleased! Ethics, amount, cost, ease of use (4/5, see note), and overall flavor make this purchase well worth it!
*Little tip, when you are taking the white protective circle that is temporarily between the glass and the plastic (so cinnamon isn't falling out,) don't rip it all the way off. I leave half the white circle intact. This way I'm better able to control what comes out. And to use the pour one, I just turn the plastic part or take it off and put it on the way I need it.
Crockpot Homemade
CINNAMON APPLESAUCE can be made by taking a batch of apples,18? (Thats a made up number. You can make it with 4 or 44, its up to you and how much you want to have made, any varieties besides "Delicious" will work.) You can peel or leave them be, I like it both ways. Cut in half, then begin removing seeds, stems, and other riff raff with a melon baller and a knife. Then you can cut them into chunks. (I do 8 regular slices then cut them in half in the middle.) Next throw the apple chunks in the crock pot on high add 1/4 c. Water (or none if you want it thicker, more if you want it thinner, but you can always add water later.) Add several generous shakes of cinnamon. At 2 hours mush it some with a fork or spoon (I used a ladle.) At 3 hours mush chunks more, at 4 hours you may be done! I mushed a little more, added some more cinnamon and was set. If you like it less thick, just add water in 1/4 cup increments and stir. If you don't like chunks you may put it in a blender or food processor or use an immersion blender. Feel free to add raisins (at the start) if you wish or substitute half pears. And if desired add any type of sweetener you'd like. I may try a bowl with monk fruit* sweetener or xylitol* for their low glycemic index, but both are Fatal to Dogs. I also am fond of Splenda, agave, honey, maple syrup or brown sugar (among others.)
*These sweeteners, along with several others are fatal to dogs even in small amounts, as are raisins. Exercise extreme caution when using around fur family. This is not a bowl fido can lick.
Organic Cinnamon.
