Seven ways to use cinnamon quills

A true cinnamon quill is mild and sweet, so it flavors food gently without taking over. Break one in half and try these.

• Simmer a quill in the water when you cook rice.
• Steep one in hot milk or black tea for a golden, fragrant cup.
• Poach pears, apples or plums with a quill and a spoonful of sugar.
• Infuse custard or rice pudding, then lift the quill out before serving.
• Drop half a quill into the pot when you brew coffee.
• Grind it fresh over oatmeal, yogurt and baked fruit.
• Tuck a quill into braises and coconut-milk curries.

Tip: remove the quill before serving, let it dry, and use it once more for a lighter second infusion.