Continuing from 263 Things To Do With Cinnamon, Part I inspired by the Cinnamon Hill fresh cinnamon, here’s a whole new batch of ideas for savory dishes, all kinds of beverages, and non-food uses. Many thanks to all of you who contributed these wonderful ideas; I hope you find the list as inspiring as I do!

Lamb tagine from Nargisse Benkabbou at My Moroccan Food.

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I come to you with my biggest city crush in a really long time. I have just returned from a vacation in Stockholm with my family, and it was instant love between me and the Swedish capital.

It’s beautiful, it’s walkable, it’s elegant, it’s welcoming, it is perfectly clean, and exceptionally civilized. The colors and architecture are amazing, great design is everywhere, and there is no dearth of exciting eats.

If you follow me on Instagram, perhaps you were able to catch some of my Instagram Stories documenting my favorite eats and sights? In any case, this post is my mini-guide to Stockholm, for you to delve into if you’re planning (or dreaming of) a trip of your own.

I dedicate this with gratitude to the many readers and friends who passed along their best recommendations on Facebook in particular. You never steered me wrong and I credit you for the amazing time I had. If you missed the opportunity to share a favorite spot, please do so in the comments now.

All right, fasten your seatbelt, we’re off to Stockholm now!

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After years (and years) of yearning for a high-performance blender — to make really smooth soups, quick sauces and marinades, nut butters and milks, and of course smoothies — I finally got one.

Based on my research, I picked the Optimum 9400 blender, distributed by Australian company Froothie, as an alternative to the better-known Vitamix or Blendtec. It’s a vortex blender that’s just as high-performing, if not more so, and the 2-liter (2-quart) jug works for both dry and liquid ingredients.

I have been so happy with it I entered into a partnership with the brand and have a discount to offer. If you’re interested in buying a Froothie blender for yourself, use promo code CD-Optimum-Blender-20 to get $20 off your purchase of the Optimum 9400 or 9200A on the US store.

The same code will get you 20€ off on the French site, the Belgian site, or the Luxembourg site. You’ll get 15 CHF off on the Swiss site.

For my Canadian friends, the code is CD-Optimum-Blender-25 and you’ll get CA$25 off on the Canadian site.

Here’s my detailed review of the Optimum 9400 blender by Froothie:

Fennel Soup with Lime and Cashew Cream

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Are you going to be in Paris on Tuesday, November 22?

If so, please come and have a drink with us from 7pm to 9pm at Artisan, a small cocktail bar I love in the Pigalle neighborhood! They serve well-crafted cocktails, natural wines, craft beers, and, if you’re hungry, a short seasonal selection of small plates.

I will be there between 7pm and 9pm; feel free to come whenever you like. It will be our chance to meet in real life, and chat about our shared passions. (I will also have a pen with me if you want any of my books signed. Don’t be shy. :)

So, will you join us? Please say yes!

Artisan, 14 rue Bochart de Saron, 75009 Paris, métro Anvers ou Pigalle (Facebook / Instagram).