| When you think of coffee, you generally imagine a steaming hot beverage that's the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. What you may not consider is that coffee is also a multi-purpose kitchen ingredient. Be it main courses or after-dinner treats, coffee adds a special kick to any recipe.
The Main Event
Ready to give your dinner some zip? These coffee concoctions are sure to be mouth-watering additions to your dining room table. Espresso Roasted Chicken and Vegetables (Aabree Contest Recipe Winner, Trisha K.!) | Marinade/sauce: |  | | Ingredients: |  | ½ cup strongly brewed espresso coffee
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste | 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 eggplant, unpeeled, diced in 1 inch cubes
½ pound mushrooms, sliced ¼ inch thick
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, sliced into 1 inch strips
1 yellow pepper, sliced into 1 inch strips
| In a medium bowl whisk marinade ingredients, reserve ¼ cup. Divide remainder in half and marinade chicken and vegetables in separate zip lock bags for 2-4 hours. Heat oven to 375o and line a large baking pan with heavy duty foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray. Remove chicken and vegetables from marinade and arrange on baking pan, bake for 30 minutes and drizzle with remaining marinade, return to oven for 15-20 more minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Makes 4 servings.
Pepper Coffee Barbeque (Surf or Turf)
Perfect for a barbeque or any other summer gathering, this zesty marinade is versatile enough for steak, tuna, or salmon.
Coarse ground coffee beans
Coarse ground black pepper
Olive Oil
For Steak: Worcestershire sauce & garlic powder
For Tuna or Salmon: Lemon juice & dill
*Ingredient amounts will vary according to your preference and the quantity of meat/fish you will be preparing. Create a 1/3 ground coffee, 2/3 ground pepper mixture.
For Steak:
Coat the steak in olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. Season with garlic powder and coat heavily with the coffee/pepper mixture. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. For Tuna or Salmon:
Coat fish with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with dill and coat heavily with the coffee/pepper mixture. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Recipe courtesy of ineedcoffee.com
Coffee Barbeque Chicken Salad
For those of us who prefer lighter fare, this salad has all of the flavor you crave without any belt loosening when you’re done.
| Sauce Ingredients: | | | Salad Ingredients: |  | 1 cup chopped onions
¼ cup minced garlic
2 cups brewed coffee
3 slices bacon, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp chipotle chilies in adobo
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup red wine vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1 cup diced tomatoes | 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
6 cups torn, mixed salad greens
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 ½ cup shredded cheese of your choice
1 small red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 green onions, thinly sliced
| In a 4 qt pot, render bacon over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno, sautéing until onion is translucent. Add remaining ingredients, simmering slowly over low heat for 3 hours, until sauce thickens.
Brush both sides of chicken with sauce and grill until thoroughly cooked. Combine all other salad ingredients in a bowl and distribute evenly in bowls or on plates. Cut chicken into thick strips and add to top of salad. Drizzle with additional barbeque sauce and/or the salad dressing of your choice.
Recipe courtesy of recipezaar.com  Espressotini
Here's a delicious espresso drink that's sure to please any crowd.
2 oz Espresso
2.5 oz Vanilla Vodka
1 oz Kahlua Brew a double shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and all ingredients – shake well.
Pour into a martini glass rimmed with chocolate syrup. | 
