Treat Cinnamon Sticks the Way You Would Parmesan Cheese

Cinnamon sticks should not be relegated to holiday decorations, mulled wine, or spiced cider. I keep them in a jar in the cupboard for use year round.

Freshly grated cinnamon lifts all kinds of desserts, from the simplest dish of sliced oranges or stone fruit to a warm brownie. I‘m not talking about grating the stick every time a recipe calls for ground cinnamon—I know you wouldn’t stand still for that. I am talking about grating a bit of the stick over finished desserts—even to order, at the table. Or pass the stick (and microplane grater) just as you might pass a chunk of Parmesan with certain pasta dishes or salads. It’s homey and stylish at the same time. I do this for family dinners so everyone has a choice.

You might be thinking, why not just put some ground cinnamon into the recipe in the first place and be done with it. Nope, grating cinnamon on top is an entirely different experience.

Grating the stick puts the scent of cinnamon in the air, creating anticipation and a top note of flavor. Like swirling and sniffing a glass of wine before sipping—your senses are engaged and the fragrance enhances the flavor of the wine when you finally sip. Cinnamon in the air and on top of a dessert adds a layer of flavor without overwhelming the dessert with that flavor. The result is simultaneously nuanced and dramatic! It’s boring to read about, but fun to try.

Here’s how to use your cinnamon sticks all year round. (While you’re thinking about it, the same list is good for those whole nutmegs in your spice drawer—why not use them more often as well?)

You get the idea…