Excellent Coffee

Coffee is a popular beverage for a reason, and now it is making its way into the cooking world! There are a number of ways to enjoy coffee beyond your cup of Joe, and integrating coffee and espresso into baking and cooking is one of them.

Espresso Meat Rub

• 1/3 cup fine espresso grounds
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup paprika
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. allspice
• 1 tbsp. oregano

Mix all of these ingredients together in a small bowl, and then rub them onto the meat that you are using. This is something that is wonderful for a beef or pork dish, and it can be allowed to sit for several hours before grilling or cooking.

Coffee Granita

• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1/3 cup sugar
• Whipped cream

Start out by stirring together the coffee and sugar well until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this mixture into a shallow baking dish, and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for a half hour, and then take it out and fluff it with a fork. Put the mixture back into the freezer, and allow it to freeze for another half-hour. Continue the process of fluffing the mixture with a fork until it looks like slush, and then serve it right away with whipped cream.

Cherry Almond Coffee Cake

• 1 package cake mix, French Vanilla
• 1 cup of instant coffee
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 eggs
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar

Mix together the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and water. Pour this mixture into a lightly greased 15 x 10″ baking pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling into the mixture, and bake for 30 minutes at 350° until the top is golden. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and almonds to serve!