--By Julia Bainbridge, Bon Appétit
Most of us begin the day with a piping hot cup of coffee. But what about ending it with a coffee-infused dinner or dessert? Its rich flavor adds depth to burgers and zing to baked goods, and almost like salt, coffee enhances the flavors of other ingredients. It may also contribute to a lower chance of developing cancer and diabetes. So drink (and eat!) up, starting with these five delicious coffee-laced recipes.
1. Try making Coffee Crunch Bars (see recipe below). Just a couple of spoonfuls of espresso powder give this recipe, which makes 48 bars, plenty of zing.
2. Spice up your grilling routine with Coffee-Marinated Bison Short Ribs. Maple syrup sweetens the coffee marinade slightly, and the sauce gets a kick thanks to a jalapeno chile. (Don't miss the how-to video for this recipe.)
3. Treat family and friends to Coffee-Caramel Creme Brulee. The custard in this clever creme brulee tastes just like a rich caramel cappuccino.
4. Give Candied Espresso Walnuts as gifts. They're delicious after dinner with--what else?--coffee.
5. And, lastly, who could resist a Coffee-Rubbed Cheeseburger with Texas Barbecue Sauce? Freshly ground coffee adds depth to the spice rub and brings out the flavor of the meat in these burgers.
COFFEE CRUNCH BARS:
Makes 48
Recipe by Molly Wizenberg
Photograph by Misha Gravenor
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups (firmly packed) dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk first 3 ingredients in medium bowl to blend.
- Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in another medium bowl until blended, about 2 minutes. Add espresso powder and almond extract; beat 1 minute. Stir in flour mixture in 3 additions, mixing until just absorbed after each addition. Stir in chocolate chips and almonds (dough will be thick).
- Turn dough out onto ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Using hands, press dough into 12-inch square. Pierce all over with fork at 1-inch intervals.
- Bake until edges are lightly browned and beginning to crisp, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool on sheet 1 minute. Cut into 48 bars. Immediately transfer to rack; cool (bars will crisp as they cool). DO AHEAD Can be made 5 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
More from Bon Appétit:
• The Best Chefs in America Reveal Their Secret Ingredients
• 25 One-Bite Appetizers Recipes
• 16 Secret Supermarket Ingredients Chefs Love
• 3 Smart Uses for Aluminum Foil
• 25 Things to Do with a Fresh Tomato
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