CInderella- a Girl made of Cinnamon & Spice and Everything Nice

Not all stories begin with “once upon a time,” but many of the great ones do. That being said, it is up to you to determine the quality of this tale. Therefore, I can not begin it with the legendary phrase. Nevertheless, Every story has to start somewhere; and so we begin in a land across the sea where lived a beautiful girl named Cinderella.

Now it has often been thought that Cinderella obtained her unique name from sleeping in the cinders of the fire her shivers to tame. The tellers of that tale didn’t live nor did they pay rent to the cruel stepmother who was the poster child of a life not well spent. She cared only for looks, one’s heart didn’t matter. That’s why most would say, “her soul was in tatters.” On the contrary Cinderella, was cooking so often, she couldn’t escape the sweet scent of cinnamon. It was not ash that crafted the unique name, but the sugar and spices that followed the dame.

You see Cinderella was maid, laundress, and cook for her step –family. She kept up the Widow’s mansion, where her bitter stepsisters groaned despite their lives of luxury. The two spoiled sisters spent their days being pampered, privileged, and preened; yet, no matter their opulent life they were quite often mean.

+++ See how Cinderella calms a disgruntled stepsisters with Cinnamon milk 30 minutes before bed. In a small sauce pan, mix 2tsp. ground cinnamon, 2 Tbs. sugar( or the equivalent sugar substitute) and a long strip of orange zest. Slowly add in 4 cups milk of your choice. Warm over medium heat until milk is hot but do not boil or scald milk. Remove from heat. Add in 1 Tb butter and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Stir until thoroughly and serve in 4 mugs to those who need some calming before bed.

For a quick version combine ½ tsp. cinnamon and 1tsp. sugar in a microwave safe mug. Add 1 c. milk. And warm in microwave for 45 seconds to 1 min. (until warm.) Add just a drop of vanilla prior to drinking to soothe a troubled mind or aid in digestion.

One might say that the only sweet things emitted from the grand rooms, were those coming from the small kitchen and the closet of brooms. The brave Cinderella stayed serving for she had nowhere to go; her father had died, leaving her all alone. So she cooked savory breads, spicy meats, and sweet fruits to fulfill her family’s wishes. Only to be pummeled by the leftovers of the delectable dishes. Her repulsive relatives refused to eat anything that was not sweet, so getting in one balanced meal was a great feat.

Cinderella’s days were each the same filled with sisters’ tantrums and mother’s chores. It seemed she was always putting out fires, and making goodies in scores. She dreamt while she worked, praying one day to find… a way to escape, and leave this nightmare behind.


What is the Picture?

Woman Reading a Letter, with a Maidservant, which depicts the woman reading his words in a more modest domestic setting by Gabriel Metsu
Gabriel Metsu was the son of a Dutch painter who lived most of his life in that country. He married three times, and was known for his poor reputation as a gentleman. Despite this some of his paintings still reveal a glint of true love and family life, as he is known for his ability to capture expression and movement in his art. He influenced the better-known artist Vermeer

THis Story will be released section by section to allow you and your family a chance to try some of the recipes. Feedback on how your kitchen experiences are welcome. Please also let Mrs. Brownie know if the recipe was a success at your home. Smile and Savour.