For most coffee lovers, coffee is more than a beverage – it’s a morning ritual. No day can really begin without that familiar smell, bold taste and much-needed caffeine jolt that only coffee provides.
Whether you prefer to kick off your day with classic black coffee, a frothy cappuccino, iced coffee in the summer or a festive peppermint mocha during the holidays, there’s a perfect choice for every coffee drinker and every season. But the versatility of coffee doesn’t stop there. In fact, its uses extend far beyond the mug. The roasted quality of coffee, combined with its bitterness and acidity, makes it a surprisingly versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory foods. In desserts, the bitter, slightly nutty flavor of espresso helps balance sweetness. It can also enhance the flavor of chocolate in classic treats like tiramisu. On the savory side, coffee’s earthy flavor adds a unique complexity to spice blends and meat seasonings. It even works as a natural tenderizer thanks to its acidic nature, making coffee grounds an excellent addition to meat rubs, marinades and glazes.
So why not turn your morning ritual into your secret ingredient? In these four recipes, you’ll discover new ways to showcase the versatility of coffee in the kitchen. Even if you’re not a regular coffee drinker, chances are you’ll enjoy the dynamic and unexpected flavor coffee contributes to these delicious entrees and desserts.
Coffee Glazed Pork Ribs
Finally, impress all your guests this holiday season with Coffee Glazed Pork Ribs. While it might not be the quickest recipe to whip up, the hands-on time is minimal and the results are well worth it. Simmering and reducing the glaze helps build up the sweet and savory flavors of the coffee, brown sugar and mustard, while cooking the pork on low heat over two and a half hours ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
