Culinary masters share several ideas on how coffee, an inseparable part of the feast table, can be used in original recipes that will surprise all the guests, according to a press release from the Lithuanian retail chain “Maxima”.
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“Whether you are talking with a long-unseen friend, a family member, a colleague, or a business partner – it is very likely that a cup of coffee is also ‘participating’ in the conversation. Historically, the first coffee houses in the Middle East and Europe were places where people gathered to discuss news, business matters, and social issues. The echoes of these traditions have lasted to this day – coffee remains one of the most universal symbols of communication, inseparable from both the feast table and a short lunch meeting,” says Titas Atraškevičius, a representative of the retail chain for media relations.
Coffee – a great culinary ingredient
According to him, as coffee is a symbol of a social ritual, it is no coincidence that it is one of the most popular everyday products. After all, coffee is used both for a leisurely morning ritual at home and for unexpectedly visiting guests or delighting, for example, newly settled neighbors.
T. Atraškevičius points out that coffee can be a pleasant surprise for guests not only as a drink. According to culinary masters, the rich aroma and subtle bitterness of coffee complement both sweet and savory dishes. They say coffee is perfect for flavoring desserts or making various creams, sauces, or even marinades for meat, giving dishes unexpected flavor nuances.
To reveal its creamy and rich taste in various dishes, culinary masters suggest practically trying out a few ideas. When coffee becomes the main accent of various snacks or dishes, it will give the entire feast table a distinctive note, for example, when celebrating a certain occasion or during a regular meeting with friends.
Crostini with coffee and mascarpone cheese
An elegant Italian appetizer with a subtle combination of sweetness and bitterness is perfect as an introduction to a themed “coffee dinner.” To make 12 crostini you will need:
- 2 tsp brewed ground coffee;
- 120 g mascarpone cheese;
- 1 tsp cocoa powder;
- 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste);
- 12 slices of French or plain bread, about 1.5 cm thick;
- unsalted butter (to taste);
- cocoa for decoration.
Preparation. In a bowl, combine mascarpone, cooled brewed ground coffee, cocoa, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. Cover the cream with cling film and place in the refrigerator for at least half an hour (can be left overnight).
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Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake in an oven at 175 degrees Celsius for about 8 minutes until they become lightly golden on the outside and still soft inside. If desired, spread with unsalted butter. Spread a teaspoon of cream on each slice, and if you like, sprinkle with cocoa.
Chicken thighs with coffee spice crust
This inexpensive main dish is incredibly tasty, aromatic, and will surely impress even the most demanding guests. To prepare it you will need:
- 1 tbsp ground coffee;
- 6–8 chicken thighs;
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil;
- 1 tbsp brown sugar;
- 1 tbsp salt (or to taste);
- 1 tsp ground black pepper;
- 1 tsp onion granules;
- 1 tsp garlic granules;
- 1 tsp sweet red (or smoked) paprika powder.
Preparation. Combine coffee, sugar, pepper, onion and garlic granules, paprika powder, and salt in a bowl and mix well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Remove excess skin from the underside (with bone) of the chicken thighs. Rinse the thighs and pat dry with paper towels. Coat both sides with olive oil and rub with the coffee spice mixture. Place on the baking sheet and, if there is any mixture left, sprinkle it on top. Bake in an oven at 220 degrees Celsius for 40–50 minutes. When serving, drizzle with the sauce formed in the baking tray. Serve with your favorite side dish.
Figs in espresso glaze
Figs prepared in less than 10 minutes will become not only an elegant festive dessert but also a fantastic addition to the next day’s breakfast porridge. To prepare you will need:
- 2 tbsp ground coffee;
- 60 ml hot water;
- 500 g fresh figs;
- 60 g sugar;
- 0.5 tsp sea salt.
Preparation. Pour ground coffee with hot (not boiling) water. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve or coffee filter. In a bowl, pour sugar, sea salt, and 2 tbsp coffee concentrate. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Cut the figs in half, remove the stems. Place in the coffee mixture and gently stir to coat evenly. Place the figs in a pan cut side down, pour the remaining coffee concentrate over them, and heat over low heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the syrup thickens, turn the figs cut side up and spoon the syrup over them. Serve with ice cream or as a separate dessert. Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy!
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