From the counter

Three things we actually make

A cup, a bowl, and a pan of fruit. Nothing that needs a special tin.

Tea with cinnamon stick and honey jar

Warm honey-cinnamon drink

Serves 1. Time: 5 minutes.

  • 1 cup water, unsweetened tea, or milk
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or 1 stick

Warm the liquid until steaming, not furiously boiling. Stir in honey off the heat. Add cinnamon. If you use a stick, steep a few minutes and remove it. Taste before adding more honey.

Breakfast oats

Oatmeal with cinnamon and honey

Cook oats as you usually do. Finish with a teaspoon of honey, a pinch of cinnamon, and fruit if you like. The oats and fruit do more for a balanced breakfast than the toppings.

Roasted fruit

Slice apples or pears. Toss with a little oil or butter, a pinch of cinnamon, and a small drizzle of honey. Roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender. Serve with yogurt or as a side.

These are teaspoons and pinches, the way you season food. They are not a chart from the back of a capsule bottle.

Practical notes

  • Honey browns quickly. Add it late when cooking.
  • Cinnamon can taste bitter in large amounts. Start small.
  • Count honey toward daily added sugars, as health agencies recommend limiting added sugars overall.
  • Do not prepare these recipes for infants under 12 months.