Unlocking the Versatility of Cinnamon Sticks

Create Aromatic Ornaments with Cinnamon Sticks Utilize cinnamon sticks and leather cord to fashion scented ornaments. Thread a 12-inch (30 cm) leather cord through the hollow center of three cinnamon sticks, forming a triangular shape. Secure the arrangement by tightening the cord and tying the loose ends at the apex. For hanging purposes, cut a 4-inch (10 cm) piece of leather cord and fasten it around the apex in a knot.

• You may substitute leather cord with twine or hemp.
• For a festive touch, affix a 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of tree garland to the lower corner of the cinnamon ornament using craft glue.

Create a Cozy Cinnamon Stick Candle for Fall. Begin by chopping 4 cinnamon sticks. Prepare your candle holder and secure a candle wick in place. Melt candle wax in a nonstick pan, then mix in the chopped cinnamon sticks. Pour the hot wax into the holder and let it cool for 15 minutes before trimming the wick. For a stronger cinnamon scent, add cinnamon extract to the melting wax.

• Enhance the aroma by adding a few drops of cinnamon extract to the melted wax.

Craft Your Own Spice Potpourri at Home. Preheat your oven and thinly slice an apple and an orange. Bake the fruit slices, then mix them with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise in a jar. Let the mixture settle for a day before displaying it in a bowl or decorative jar.

• Allow the mixture to settle for a day before displaying it.

Create Scented Drink Coasters with Cinnamon Sticks. Glue 5 or 6 cinnamon sticks together to form coasters. For added flair, weave colorful string or twine along the ends of the sticks.

• Add visual interest by weaving colorful string along the ends of the sticks.

Personalize Gifts with Tied Cinnamon Sticks. Elevate fall or holiday gifts by tying cinnamon sticks onto wrapped packages using ribbon, twine, or holiday-colored string. Enhance the presentation and scent of your gifts.

• Enhance your gifts' presentation by tying cinnamon sticks onto them.

Create a Moth-Repelling Pouch for Your Closet. Fill a mesh bag or sachet with a cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and whole cloves. Hang the pouch in your closet or place it in a dresser drawer to repel moths from your clothing.

Create Your Own Simple Cinnamon Syrup. Boil 4 cinnamon sticks in 2 cups (470 mL) of water, then simmer for 25 minutes. After cooling for 15 minutes, add 1.5 cups (192 grams) of white sugar. Reheat on low for 7 minutes until sugar dissolves. Strain if necessary before using or storing.

• Strain the syrup to remove any cinnamon stick particles.
• Enjoy your syrup on ice cream, in cocktails, or on waffles and pancakes.

Infuse Your Rice Cooker with Cinnamon Flavor. Add a cinnamon stick to your rice cooker before cooking to impart a unique spice essence to your rice. Alternatively, add it to rice and water in a pot on the stovetop.

• Try cinnamon stick rice with Asian, Middle Eastern, or North African dishes.

Elevate Your Breakfast Oatmeal with Cinnamon. Enhance your oatmeal by simmering 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks with it, particularly delicious when combined with apples, peaches, raisins, or pumpkin puree.

• Cinnamon sticks add a comforting spice to your morning oats.

Enhance Slow Cooker Dishes with Cinnamon. Add a cinnamon stick to slow cooker meats, stews, curries, or chili before cooking. Enjoy the subtle richness it brings to your dishes.

• Experience the subtle spice it brings to slow cooker chili.

Create Homemade Cinnamon Essence by Infusing Rum. Combine 3 ounces (85 g) of light or dark rum with 2 cinnamon sticks in a lidded container. Store in a cool, dark place for about 2 weeks, shaking daily for infusion. Use this essence in recipes that call for cinnamon extract.

• Your homemade essence will have a sweeter note due to the rum's natural sweetness.

Enhance Mulled Wine with Cinnamon Sticks. Simmer apple cider, red wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, orange zest and juice, cloves, and star anise in a saucepan. Let it cool before serving, optionally adding an orange peel or cinnamon stick stirrer for garnish.

• Add an orange peel or cinnamon stick stirrer for an extra garnish.

Flavor Tea or Cider with Cinnamon Stick Stirrers. Use a cinnamon stick to stir hot tea or cider, allowing the flavor to infuse. For a kick, add whiskey, honey, and lemon juice to create a cinnamon tea hot toddy.

• Rinse and reuse cinnamon stick stirrers multiple times after drying.

Infuse Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Flavor. Prepare New Mexico hot chocolate by simmering milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a cinnamon stick. Allow it to cool before serving in a mug, optionally removing the stick with a spoon.

• Use pre-packaged hot chocolate mix instead of cocoa and sugar if preferred.

Enhance Your Coffee with Cinnamon Sticks. Add a cinnamon stick on top of coffee grounds before brewing to infuse your coffee with a subtle cinnamon flavor. For a stronger taste, stir your coffee with another cinnamon stick while hot.

• Stirring your coffee with a cinnamon stick while hot intensifies the flavor.

Prepare a Simple Cinnamon Tisane for a Cozy Drink. Heat water in a kettle or microwave, then steep a cinnamon stick for 10 minutes. Enjoy the soothing benefits of cinnamon tisane, which can also be used to alleviate stomach discomfort or treat athlete’s foot.

• Cinnamon tisane can effectively soothe an upset stomach.
• Its antimicrobial properties make it suitable for treating athlete’s foot when used as a foot soak.