Honey Cinnamon Spread
/Gluten Free - Dairy Free - Refined Sugar Free
I have distinct memories from when I was home sick as a child. Whenever I had a stomach bug of some sort, my mom would bring me two things. The first, oddly enough because we weren't allowed soda pop growing up, was ginger ale. I loathed it, but I was encouraged to drink it to calm my belly. Unbeknownst to us kids, my mom cut it with water, so that we didn't have all the sugar. Good choice, mom. More on that another day though. The second thing that was brought to my death bed was white toast with margarine (because we were afraid of butter back then), sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. This was the ultimate treat and it got us to eat something the majority of the time. Truth be told, mom would go a little light on the toppings. I always wanted more.
When I first took gluten and refined sugar out of my diet, the times that I fell ill or with a lack of appetite from my chronic illness, I found myself craving that carb-filled treat. I wanted it so badly, but knew that there was nothing health promoting about throwing pro-inflammatory combinations at my body.
Flash forward a few years and I found myself at a girlfriend's house. Her son has the unfortunate gift of several allergies. Poor guy has had a rough go on the food and environmental front. My gal pal has done an incredible job watching out for her little guy and seeking out food options that will treat his body well. The last time I saw her, she brought out this jar of coconut oil spread from her local farmers' market and told me that I had to try it. I stuck my finger right in the jar (I'm not a heathen, she told me I could and we're close like that). I licked the goodness off my finger and knew that I needed this in my life.
I knew that I had to have more, so when I flew back home, I immediately buddied up with my food processor and got to work. Granted, I only had that one finger lick of the spread, so I'm not sure if this honey cinnamon spread tastes exactly like the version I was first inspired by, but this guy leaves me satisfied and wanting more every time I open the jar.
Upon creating this, I immediately toasted up some homemade gluten free sourdough bread and smothered it in this spread. With the first bite, I was immediately transported back to my childhood bed and that amazing cinnamon toast. Only this time, I wasn't sick AND I ate every bit knowing that the healthy fats and blood sugar balancing cinnamon were not going to harm me. At which point, I stuck my knife in the jar and spread a ton more onto my toast. Yes, I used a knife. I wouldn't dare stick a finger into my own jar. Geesh.
This spread is great on gf toast, homemade muffins, added to a smoothie, or dolloped into your favorite hot elixir. Try it out on a slice of our toasted GF Seeded Almond Bread while you're at it.
Honey Cinnamon Spread
Prep time: 5 min.
Makes: 1/2 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. raw honey
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Pinch sea salt
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in the small bowl of a food processor. Blend until well incorporated. This may take some time if the temperature is cold and your coconut oil is solid and crumbly. If that’s the case, try pulsing the food processor a few times to warm the oil, then place the bowl in a sunny window or over a heat vent for a few minutes to soften (not melt) and mix again. Pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl throughout.
- No food processor? Melt the coconut oil and honey in a small pan over low heat. Remove from heat and add cinnamon and salt. Stir until well incorporated. Remove from heat and let sit for ~1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent separation.
Pro Tips
Storage: Keep spread in an airtight container on your shelf. This will hold for several months (if for some odd reason you don't use it all in the first week).
Note: This will melt easily in warmer climates and become quite solid in colder climates. Find the perfect location to prevent separation and meet your desired spreading texture.
Gifting: This makes for a great edible gift when placed in a nice jar with a fancy ribbon or note. Kick your gift up a notch with a fresh baked mini loaf of our GF Almond Bread!
What are some ways that you enjoy eating our honey cinnamon spread?
