Which came first, the cinnamon or the sugar?

Nothing more harmonious in the morning than cinnamon and sugar on toast......

   One morning at the breakfast table, when I was 7 or 8, my mom was fixing me some cinnamon toast. She was doing a great job of it, wonderful mom that she was, but for some reason it really irked me when she put the cinnamon on before the sugar.

   I must have started in with some kind of tantrum (which I have effectively blocked from my adult memory), and my dad saw the need to get involved. He assessed the situation, as only dads can do while drinking coffee and reading the morning paper. Then he said "I know a guy at the office who always puts the cinnamon on before the sugar, and he likes it just fine."

   Wow. That simple (totally made up, I realize now) impromptu statement diffused my whole case. Took the wind out of my sails. I had nothing left of the anger that had started to build. I ate my cinnamon toast in peace and realized that it was indeed very good.

Why do I remember that moment, out of all the moments of my childhood, and why does it even now put a smile on my heart?

And what does it go to show ya?

That it doesn't really matter which came first, the cinamon or the sugar, as long as they are both there.
That my father's love was expressed to me in a way that allowed me to re-direct my thoughts.
That it does take both cinnamon and sugar, but don't get too caught up in the process.

So, in honor of my father, I give you cinnamon toast, and several variations on the theme.

Cinnamon toast the Pioneer woman way

Cinnamon and sugar bites

cinnamon and sugar scented candle

cinnamon sugar chocolate pretzels

cinnamon and sugar sleeping cats

This morning don't get too worried about whether you should put on the cinnamon first or the sugar. Just put them on and enjoy the day!

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