Almond Butter & Apple Panini with Cinnamon Creamed Honey

Ugh, It's Monday. Ick.

That's okay though, because as I promised I've got something very special for you that involves both cinnamon and honey. This is magical enough to make you forget it's even Monday people.

You see I discovered this great little place called Simply Tea & Chocolate in downtown Barrie not too long ago. They have a nice big selection of loose leaf teas, locally hand crafted chocolates, comfy couches, and a cozy atmosphere over looking the lake. They also know how to make some really good food that's fresh and health minded. This is where I found the most wonderful sandwich.

Thin slices of apple, almond butter, and honey on whole grain bread all warmed up in a grill press. Who would have ever thought to make a sandwich out of apples? You have to admit its a pretty strange idea at first. It's also very delicious.

So naturally I needed to make my own version because this was just too good. Trust me sandwiches don't get much more exciting than this. Especially if you love all things nut butter.

So instead of just plain bread I used a really good cinnamon raisin bread from the local bakery. Then I took creamed honey (this stuff is from Dickey Bees, Unpasteurized and also local) and mixed it all up with some cinnamon.

Spread that almond butter on nice and thick, it's good for you! (as long as your not allergic of course)

Slice your apples nice and thin so they cook and caramelize a little while in the panini press.

Now for the fun part. Squish!

Oh George Foreman Grill, what would I do without you? You have so many wonderful purposes!

Eewy Gooey toasty goodness! If you love almond butter or any kind of nut butter for that matter, you really need to try this.

Almond Butter & Apple Panini with Cinnamon Creamed Honey

(Makes 1 sandwich)

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of Cinnamon Raisin Bread
• 1 tbsp unpasteurized creamed honey (if its local its tastes better and is better for you)
• about 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp raw almond butter (I used MaraNath's Organic & Creamy No-Salt added)
• 1/3 of an apple sliced very thinly, skin left on

Method:

1. Stir together the honey and cinnamon until nice and creamy, and well mixed.
2. Spread almond butter on one slice of raisin bread.
3. Spread creamed cinnamon honey on the other slice of raisin bread.
4. Add thinly sliced apples to the slice of bread with honey on it and top with the almond butter slice.
5. Place the assembled sandwich in a preheated panini press, or like I'm using, a George Foreman gill, and lower the lid.
6. Grill on the first side for about 4 minutes but make sure you watch it so it doesn't burn (temperatures can vary from one grill to another).
7. Flip the sandwich over and grill on the other side for another 3 minutes or until nice and toasty. The honey and almond butter will be drippy.
8. Transfer to a plate, slice on an angle and enjoy!

My basil plant want's to eat my sandwich!This will be one that you make over and over again.

10 Things About Cinnamon

Mmmm, cinnamon. It's got to be my favourite spice. There's something about its aroma that just sends me. So fragrant and warm and sweet. I think I have it every almost every single day in some form or way. Usually on my oatmeal..wink. wink. :)

It's not only one of the most widely common spices, but it's also one of the most oldest known. It has many unique health benefits too. It should be a super-food. Here's a short list of things you may not have know about the spice:

1. Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon are the most popular kinds. (One of my favourite places to buy my spices is Penzeys. Sadly they're not here in Canada but they are just across the border)
   • Ceylon, or "true cinnamon", can be found in specialty stores and is more expensive. It's lighter in colour and has a sweet taste and almost earthy aroma. You should be able to snap a stick of of the real stuff in half quite easily. Cassia on the other hand is the one that is found in mostly all grocery stores in America + North America. It's less expensive and has a darker colour.
   On the left is Ceylon cinnamon and on the right is your generic store bought brand. Notice the difference in colour?

   

2. It's a great remedy for colds, flu and nausea. And it can also be used as a digestive aid to relieve abdominal discomfort.


3. Numerous studies show that cinnamon can quite possibly have a positive effect on lowering blood sugar. Most studies suggest its effects can be seen with just a 1/2 teaspoon.


4. It reduces LDL cholesterol levels (The one that's harmful to your heart health).


5. It has an anti-clotting effect on blood (great to help stem pesky nose bleeds).


6. When cinnamon is combined with honey it has been found to relieve arthritis pain. It's also considered a pain killer for headaches and migraines.


7. It contains fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese.


8. Just smelling the spice can boost cognitive function and memory.


9. It acts as a natural food preservative.


10. The compound cinnamaldehyde is what gives cinnamon its flavour and aroma. The same compound that makes it act like a natural food preservative. It has an antimicrobial effect which can actually get rid of bad breath.

Now I wouldn't start guzzling cinnamon because as it has been found to be toxic in high doses, but a little pinch, 1/2 a teaspoon here and there is full of some wonderful benefits. Not to mention it warms your soul especially on a cold rainy day. So go make that apple pie. Or if you're like me, oatmeal.

Now I'm going to tease you with what's to come (I know, that's mean)...hint: it involves cinnamon and honey.