Move over, lukewarm instant coffee and predictable latte art! It’s time to unleash the hidden potential of coffee beans beyond the humble cup. From baking delights to savoury surprises and boozy twists, get ready to explore the creative uses of coffee that will tantalise your taste buds and surprise your friends.
Baking with Beans:
- Coffee-infused brownies: Add a rich, earthy depth to your favourite brownie recipe with a sprinkle of ground coffee beans or a shot of espresso.
- Cinnamon coffee swirls: Elevate your cinnamon rolls with a coffee-infused filling, perfect for autumn mornings.
- Coffee and walnut cake: For a sophisticated and nutty twist, try a coffee and walnut cake with a buttercream icing flavoured with a touch of coffee extract.
- Coffee and stout bread: Surprise your brunch guests with a hearty coffee and stout bread, perfect for cheese and charcuterie.
Cooking with Coffee:
- Coffee-rubbed steak: Enhance the flavour of your steak with a coffee rub, adding a smoky depth and caramelised crust.
- Coffee-braised short ribs: Slow-cook short ribs in a coffee-infused broth for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal.
- Coffee BBQ sauce: Give your BBQ sauce a unique kick with a splash of cold brew or a handful of ground beans.
- Coffee-infused ice cream: Create a grown-up dessert with coffee ice cream, perfect for summer evenings.
Cocktails with Coffee (UK Style!):
- Espresso Martini: This classic never goes out of style, perfect for a post-dinner pick-me-up.
- Coffee Negroni: Give the classic Negroni a coffee twist by using coffee-infused Campari.
- Spiced Coffee Old Fashioned: Cosy up with a spiced coffee Old Fashioned, flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of coffee.
- Coffee and tonic with gin: For a refreshing summer drink, try a coffee and tonic with your favourite UK gin.
Bonus Tip:
- Coffee sugar: Infuse sugar with ground coffee beans for a delicious sprinkle on cakes, biscuits, or even roasted vegetables.
- Coffee ice cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays for a unique and flavourful addition to your cocktails or iced coffee.
- Coffee-infused whipped cream: Take your desserts to the next level with coffee-infused whipped cream, perfect for topping hot chocolate or pancakes.
Remember: When experimenting with coffee in cooking and baking, start with small amounts and adjust to taste. Not all coffee beans are created equal, so choose flavours that complement your chosen ingredients.
So, ditch the same old routine and embrace the creative potential of coffee beans. From decadent desserts to flavour-packed dishes and boozy twists, your kitchen is your canvas – and coffee is your secret ingredient!
Share your coffee creations, culinary triumphs, and UK-inspired coffee cocktails with us on social media using #CoffeeBeyondTheMug for a chance to be featured!
Get creative, explore the possibilities, and discover the world of coffee beyond the mug – one delicious sip at a time!