Cinnamon

This is the dried bark of various laurel trees in the cinnamon family. It is a sweet-tasting spice, with a warm, woody aroma. The smell of Cinnamon is pleasant, stimulates the senses, yet calms the nerves. The thinnest bark is the best quality cinnamon. It is also available as a powder but is much better bought in sticks. When ground, the flavor becomes stronger. Whole cinnamon is used for spacing hot drinks,  ground – in  cakes, sweet dishes, fruit pies (especially goes well with apple). It can also be used in more piquant dishes, such as curries, and combines perfectly with chicken.