The weather outside is getting colder, sleigh bells are starting to ring and the beautiful aromas of cinnamon are filling the air – which can only mean one thing. IT’S CHRISTMAS! And this year, we’re making sure your home is smelling as festive as possible so you can enjoy a true cinnamon Christmas.
Cinnamon has long been a smell associated with the festive season. Along with other gorgeous spices like ginger and nutmeg, cinnamon has been used in food, drinks and decorations to help us get in the Christmas spirit. But it’s not all for show. Cinnamon has some great health properties to get us through the winter months…
Cinnamon has been used since ancient times for its medicinal purposes. Studies have found that it has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with cardiovascular health, as well as lowering the risk of disease. It’s also been used to help lower blood sugar levels, due to its anti-diabetic effects.
However, just like everything else at Christmas, try not to over indulge. Too much cinnamon can have negative side effects, so be sure to enjoy it in moderation.
Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies taking over the kitchen? We didn’t think so. That gorgeous cinnamon spice just takes it to a whole new level.
All you need is some self-raising flour (or gluten-free flour if you wish), sugar, sunflower oil, salt and of course the star of the show, cinnamon, and you’ve got the perfect vegan Christmas cookie.
How they look is up to you. Rummage through your cookie cutters and see what you’ve got to play with. You can go for a traditional cinnamon star cookie, or for Santa himself. No matter what shape or form, they’re sure to be delicious.
Blow your guests away with this home baked showstopper. Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees have been blowing up the foodie scene – and we’ve given them a vegan twist…
Firstly, you need to make your cinnamon rolls. Using great plant based alternatives like vegan butter and almond milk, plus sugar, yeast, flour, salt and of course cinnamon – you can make the most decadently soft cinnamon roll.
Next, shape them on your baking tray like a Christmas tree. Put one cinnamon roll at the bottom to be your base or tree trunk, then start building upwards in a triangle shape, until you reach the smallest point at the top. To decorate, grab your icing and any other sweet treats you want, like red and green sprinkles or edible silver balls.
Ta-Dah! A cinnamon dessert fit for any dinner table. For more festive, vegan recipes checkout our Gingerbread House Cake or Dairy-Free Chocolate Truffles.
This Christmas spice doesn’t just taste good, smell good or make you feel good – it can also look fab.
Using cinnamon sticks as part of your home’s Christmas decorations is essential to having your home looking and smelling good. You can place them in a decorative bowl, or make a festive base for your candles. If you’re feeling really creative, you can make your own cinnamon Christmas ornaments by turning cinnamon sticks into fun shapes like reindeers or by hanging your cinnamon cookies on the tree.
There’s always one person that’s difficult to buy for. Why not get them a cinnamon based gift this Christmas?
There are a wide variety of beautiful cinnamon candles that can help anyone relax at the busiest time of year! Or for a stronger, aromatic scent you could get a cinnamon diffuser or incense sticks.
You could even give the gift of luscious locks with cinnamon shampoo! Yeah you heard that right. Cinnamon has been found to have scalp stimulating properties that can aid hair growth. Who knew?!
When the weather outside is frightful, a warming cinnamon drink is delightful. There’s none better than a soothing cinnamon tea. Full of incredible health benefits like reducing stomach cramps or being great for oral health, it comes in an array of flavours – apple cinnamon tea, ginger cinnamon tea and cinnamon and honey tea.
If you’re more hot coco inclined on Christmas day, then why not make it a cinnamon hot chocolate by sprinkling a dash of this gorgeous, festive spice for taste sensation!
For more festive fun checkout our Vegan Christmas Recipes blog, for a feast like no other! Or why not try our gorgeous, vegan Ginger Bread fruit and nut bar.
