Cooking with Coffee: 6 Recipes that Pack a Caffeinated Punch

The coffee craze is about to get crazier. Chefs and even in-the-know home cooks are increasingly playing off the rich, complex flavors in coffee and espresso beans to punch up sauces, add depth to meat or flavor up their desserts. And with the abundance of haute coffee shops springing up across the country, you can easily get your hands on this gourmet ingredient that you've been missing.

Related: Food Republic Coffee Power Rankings »

We asked some of our favorite chefs and baristas for their coffee-inspired recipes (both sweet and savory) so that you can get your caffeine boost in all forms, from espresso-glazed bacon to Turkish coffee shortbread. And for those of you already firing up the grill, consider adding coffee to your barbecue sauce or using it to braise your ribs.

Related: 10 Coffee Orders To Step Up Your Game »