Coffee isn't just for drinking! We know that the grounds are good for your garden and filters can be used for art projects or cleaning around your house. But did you know that coffee can be used to boost the flavor of your favorite meats, and most coffee pairs well with cinnamon, citrus, cloves, garlic and salt?
When choosing to cook with coffee you can use brewed or ground coffee. Ground coffee is great for making rubs and marinades while brewed works well with sauces, stews and tomato sauce. Keep in mind that if you're using it in something that isn't going to be cooked, it will need to be in brewed form to keep from having a grainy texture.
Coffee is very strong and flavorful and should be paired with other strong flavors. It's best to add the coffee at the beginning of the cooking process rather than the end. This will allow the coffee to work together with the other flavors it's surrounded by and give the flavors more depth.
Try using coffee in your desserts and pastries by adding a small amount of grounds to your doughs, or biscuit and cake mix. Chocolate and coffee make a great pair, add some nuts and you can create something super tasty.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to cooking with coffee, is to keep an open mind. Think of coffee as just another ingredient and the possibilities endless!
For some ideas and recipes on cooking with coffee, visit our boards on Pinterest.
Photo Credit: StockVault
