Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the bark of various trees in the Cinnamomum family. It has a warm, sweet, and slightly woody flavor and is widely used in both sweet and savory dishes. The history of cinnamon can be traced back thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt, China, and Greece.

In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used as a spice, medicine, and even as an embalming agent. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used cinnamon in their cooking and medicine. In ancient China, cinnamon was used to treat a variety of ailments, such as respiratory problems and digestive issues.

During the Middle Ages, cinnamon was highly valued and considered a luxury item. It was used in the cooking of the wealthy and was also used in perfumes and incense. The spice was so valuable that it was said to be worth more than gold. Cinnamon was also considered to have medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments such as colds, flu, and indigestion.

Cinnamon was brought to Europe by Arab traders during the Middle Ages, and it quickly became a popular spice in European cuisine. It was used in both sweet and savory dishes, and it was also used to make cinnamon wine and cinnamon liqueur. Today, cinnamon is widely used in a variety of cuisines around the world, including French, Italian, and Scandinavian.

In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Cinnamon is high in a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has been found to have beneficial effects on blood sugar control and lipid metabolism.

Cinnamon is available in several forms, including ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon oil. It's commonly used in sweet dishes such as pastries, pies, and cakes, it's also used in savory dishes such as curries, stews, and meat dishes. Cinnamon is also a popular spice for beverages, particularly for coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Here are a few dishes that go well with cinnamon:

1. Pastries, pies, and cakes: Cinnamon is a common ingredient in sweet dishes such as pastries, pies, and cakes, particularly in combination with apples, pears, and other fruits.

2. Oatmeal and cereal: Cinnamon is a common ingredient in oatmeal and cereal, it adds a warm and sweet flavor to these dishes.

3. French toast and pancakes: Cinnamon is a common ingredient in French toast and pancakes, it adds a warm and sweet flavor to these dishes.

4. Curries and stews: Cinnamon is commonly used in savory dishes such as curries and stews, particularly in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

5. Meat dishes: Cinnamon is a common ingredient in meat dishes such as tagines, meatloaf, and meatballs.

6. Spiced drinks: Cinnamon is a popular spice for beverages, particularly for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

7. Yogurt and ice cream: Cinnamon is a common ingredient in yogurt and ice cream, it adds a warm and sweet flavor to these dishes.

8. Desserts: Cinnamon is a common ingredient in many desserts such as fruit crumbles, cobblers, and crisps.

It's important to note that cinnamon has a strong flavor and should be used sparingly in savory dishes, it pairs well with other spices such as nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. And it's commonly used with sugar, honey, and other sweeteners to enhance its flavor.