Somehow I made it through about the first twenty years of my life without knowing about cinnamon toast. I don’t know how it happened. But it did. One day in the college cafeteria, Robbie told me he was going to make cinnamon toast. He was astonished when I asked him, “What’s that?”
It’s so simple, yet so good. I don’t feed it to my family every day, but it does make a nice treat. Sometimes Robbie and I have some late at night as dessert. Since I make it with 100% whole grain bread, it’s actually not that unhealthy. And it’s certainly healthier than most kids’ cereals and desserts.
The whole grain provides fiber as well as all the nutrients associated with grains. The butter or margarine provides the fat necessary to help the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins. And cinnamon has antioxidants.
It is possible to buy cinnamon sugar at the store, though I don’t know why there’s even a market out there for it. I don’t know how much it costs, but I’m sure it’s at least 15-20 times more than it costs me to make my own. Plus, I can adjust the sugar/cinnamon ratio to fit my family’s preference. I make a big batch and store it in an air-tight container in the pantry. You can also keep it in a shaker.
Cinnamon Sugar
½ c. sugar
½ Tbsp. cinnamon (more or less, to taste)
Mix sugar and cinnamon thoroughly.
We’ve experimented with different ways to make cinnamon toast and come up with three basic methods.
Cinnamon ToastBread
Butter, softened, or margarine
Cinnamon sugar
Follow directions for desired method below.
Simple and Quick Cinnamon Toast
Toast bread as desired. Spread hot toast with butter or margarine. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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| We like ours lightly toasted, but darker is fine too. |
Melty Cinnamon Toast
Toast bread as desired. Spread toast with butter or margarine. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Place under broiler until sugar is bubbly, being careful not to burn it. In my toaster oven, it takes 3-4 minutes on high.
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| I use my toaster oven for this in order to save energy, but a normal oven broiler will work too. |
Grilled Cinnamon Toast
Heat skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Butter both sides of bread. Place in heated skillet. Flip when first side is toasted. When second side is done, remove to plate. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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| There's no clean way to butter both sides--just go for it. |
Ahhhh--- my childhood. Why do I not make it for my kids very much?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of making cinnamon sugar, have you tried making your own vanilla extract yet?
I answered this question personally at last night's Mary and Martha, but will also answer it here for those who weren't there. If you're a GBCer and weren't there, shame on you! It was tons of fun!
ReplyDeleteI have not tried making my own vanilla, but have a friend who has. You can find her here: http://jeninslo.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-own-vanilla.html As she mentions in the update at the top, it is more cost-effective to buy vanilla extract at Costco. And it doesn't take 1-2 months.