Some like it Hot!

True chocolate aficionados know that it's all about spice in your brownies and it can be an out of your body, tantalizing experience. Spices wake up the wonderful taste of chocolate and essentially says... "Hello, where have you been all of my life."

Spicy Brownie Combo: Cinnamon, Chocolate and Habanero Peppers

Welcome again to Brownies and Coffee. If you are a returning visitor, you know what to expect in my attempts to wake up your taste buds with an outright face plant into the indulgences of brownies and coffee. This culinary hobby and passion that I have always had in making brownies all with a unique twist, is kind of now an unbelievable experience with all the attention erupting from this blog. This particular brownie is called "Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice." Be on the lookout for this delicious recipe in the soon to be released book, Brownies and Coffee.

The how of this combo...

The inspiration for the creation of this brownie, which has very a special meaning is named after our beloved pet named Cinnamon known as the Spicy Cocker-Spaniel who is no longer with us. R.I.P.

So what's the big deal with spices

If you've spent anytime in a modern grocery store today, you have had to walk down the spice isle, where on the shelves you have more than likely seen numerous bottles of spices. Several of these items have long been known to have incredible health benefits. One, in particular, is cinnamon which is used in all types of recipes and dishes. The powerful compound found in cinnamon is called cinnamaldehyde, which has been found to lower blood sugar by slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract and improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, cinnamon has potent antioxidant activity which helps fight inflammation as well as lowering cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. And lastly, cinnamon has been linked to reducing risk of heart disease.

And with this fact, you can "Shut the Front Door"

Several studies on spice cinnamon indicate that for people with type II diabetes, just taking as little as 1 gram or about half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day, can have dramatic beneficial effects on blood markers.

The Habanero Pepper Needs No Introduction

Aside from habanero's being known to make grown men cry, there are some very beneficial health reasons to go for this taste challenge. Peppers are hot due to the compound capsaicin, which has helped with multiple ailments. Fact: Eating habaneros peppers have been known to lower bad cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, fight weight gain, and even prevent cancer. I'm particularly aware of habanero's cancer-fighting properties as, during my undergraduate studies, I worked as a prostate cancer research assistant with an incredible physician / mentor and friend Dr. Fred Lee. Habanero peppers contain a high content of vitamins C and A and capsaicin, as mentioned. Researchers have found that these elements in combination inhibit the growth of specific cancer cells (particularly in the prostate, androgen receptors) and by preventing the adverse effects of free radicals.

So in summary, I think we have another winning combo, spicy brownie with and a great pairing of your favorite Costa Rica favored coffee, and you are all set to take off! Enjoy!

The full recipe for this brownie can be found in the soon to be released book: Brownies and Coffee.