Cinnamon Basil Mini Herb of the Week Post

We did a detailed post on Cinnamon Basil back in 2013, however since that time I have discovered a number of new ideas for using it, so I thought I would share that as a Mini Herb of the Week.

Cinnamon Basil has lovely purple edges and purple stems making it a joy to have in the garden from a visual stand point, then you have the cinnamon scent and this is just a bonus.  The subtle cinnamon flavor with a hint of basil goes with both sweet and savory dishes.

Cinnamon Basil Apple Spread

8 ounce package cream cheese
2/3 cup apple, peeled and finely diced
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tsp. cinnamon basil, dried and crumbled

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. Process until mixed, scraping down sides. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Got this recipe from the mystery book Indigo Dying, by Susan Wittig Albert. You can use it as a syrup on French toast or pancakes or even waffles, but it is also great in tea, especially Chai.

Cinnamon Basil Honey

1 cup honey

2" cinnamon stick, broken into several pieces
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 tablespoon brandy
3 sprigs cinnamon basil

In a saucepan, gently heat together honey, spices and brandy. Put the basil sprigs into a sterilized jar and pour the hot honey mixture over it. Cover and allow the flavor to mellow for about a week. 

Cinnamon Ginger Body Scrub

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp dried cinnamon basil, crumbled

1 cup olive oil (almond oil works well too) 

Directions

In a bowl, combine the sugar, ginger, cinnamon basil and oil. Mix vigorously with a fork until fully combined. Let the mixture sit until the sugar has settled to the bottom of the bowl (about an hour). There should be a thin layer of oil covering the mixture. If you need to add more oil, do it now.

Scoop the mixture into an airtight container. Make sure that the containers you choose seal completely, so the mixture doesn’t dry up.

Directions to Use the scrub: While in the shower or at the sink, apply the scrub to damp skin and scrub gently. Rinse with warm water.