Cinnamon

The sweet, nutty flavor of cinnamon remains distinctive even when ground and mixed with other spices. Ground cinnamon (or ground cassia) is used in baking. It may be sprinkled on top of baked custards or mixed with apples in apple pie. With butter, it is the traditional seasoning for baked squash; and in North Africa is added to beef and lamb stews. Germans use it in beer soup; it also appears in Greek dishes such as pastitsio meat pie. Whole cinnamon or cassia sticks are often infused in liquid for sweet sauces and spiced drinks, and they appear in pickles and chutneys. The sticks are usually removed before serving.